AMY POWELL DC
MYOFASCIAL KINETIC LINES
The myofascial kinetic lines in horses provide an anatomical foundation for an improved understanding of locomotion. One in which the whole body is seen in a holistic way in contrast to the common way of describing the action of single muscles 1. The study provides a clearer understanding and impression of the interactions that exist throughout the whole body 1. In science, very little attention has been paid to the connections between muscles, myofascia, and fascia 1. However, muscles are not isolated but should be seen as collagenous linkages to adjacent myofascial structures 1. These muscular chains are already described in humans but not yet in horses 1. The aim of this study was to reveal the inter-connective functionality of the locomotory system of the horse 1. For this cause, 26 horses were dissected. Seven lines were identified by the researchers. The lines were found to be very similar to the human lines described by Thomas Myers
BACKGROUND
The inspiration to investigate the lines in animals came from the book “Anatomy Trains” by Thomas Myers (www.anatomytrains.com) which describes similar lines in humans. It is a very informative book about the anatomy of the lines, of stability and movement as well as of treatment options.
The veterinarians Rikke M. Schultz og Vibeke S. Elbrønd has dissected horses and dogs in a research project at the University of Copenhagen to understand and show similar connections in animals. It showed great similarities between the Anatomy Trains and the animal lines. The results are published internationally in Medical Research Archives http://journals.ke-i.org/index.php/mra/article/view/125og i Equine Veterinary Journal http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.12267_121/abstract.
Veterinarian Tove Due has over the years developed a test system and points for treatment to release tension in the single lines with different methods both for veterinarians, other professionals and for animal owners.
WHAT CAN LINES BE USED FOR?
Knowledge about the fascinating 3D fascia network in the body is the foundation for understanding the anatomy and functionality of the myofascial kinetic lines. They are fundamental for the stability, balance and connected movements through the whole body.
This knowledge emphasizes the importance of a “whole-horse” or holistic approach. It is important when working with performance problems in horses and dogs as a physio, blacksmith, trainer og animal owner or with biomechanical issues like lameness’s, backpain, stiffness in the neck, gait abnormalities and organ problems which affects the locomotion as a veterinarian.