Equine Myofascial Release
Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on massage technique that targets the fascial system, which encases the muscles, through sustained pressure. MFR elongates the fascial tissue with slow, gentle pressure on the restriction or tissue barrier. After working through these barriers, the tissue becomes more pliable, which relieves pressure from pain-sensitive areas while restoring range of motion.
Why equine myofascial release works
Myofascial release is slow, steady work that delivers incomparable results. By holding the tissue until it softens, there is lasting change made in the body. If you or your horse have had a massage, that felt good at the time, only to get up and find your pain is still there- you understand the frustration that can be a result of traditional massage techniques. Additionally, myofascial release focuses on finding the root cause of an issue and addressing it. This is achieved via evaluation techniques such as watching the horse move and palpating different areas. Once the problem is determined, it is much easier to make lasting changes in the body. If you want to get to the bottom of a muscular issue your horse is facing, and see lasting change, myofascial release is for you.
MFR is unique from massage and chiropractic manipulation. It addresses soft tissue restrictions that alter bony alignment and performs osseous releases slowly, without manipulation. It is beneficial to all horses, but especially those who suffer from straightness issues, have scar tissue, or any horse who needs deeper work. Generally, the next day after a session the horse should have off or should be a light flat ride to allow the muscles to fully recover.
Sounds Good?
You’re in the right place!
3 reasons your horse may need myofascial release
unbalanced
They feel unbalanced under saddle (this can be a sign of a pelvic imbalance, a specialty of MFR!).
restricted
They feel restricted through their body, and no amount of riding can “fix” it.
nothing else has worked
You’ve tried other therapies that haven’t worked
My goals as a bodyworker
I have two primary goals as a bodyworker.
The first is to help horses and riders overcome obstacles within their own bodies. Horses and riders alike are afflicted with so many physical limitations that are completely treatable through bodywork. I aim to help these horses and riders tackle these barriers to achieve a more comfortable, pain-free, and harmonious partnership.
My second goal is to educate as many people as possible. I have found that so many people are unaware of their physical limitations or things within their body that are holding them back. Many people are also unaware that their horses are uncomfortable or even in pain, and they don’t know how to check for signs and symptoms that this could be the case. It’s never out of malice or lack of desire to help - it’s simply a scarcity of resources. I take a hands-on approach to bodywork and make sure to keep clients completely in the loop with problem areas within their horses and what they can do to help them.
Meet Brittany
Maija’s books are full and she is not currently taking on new clients.
However, she is sending new clients to her assistant, Brittany.
Brittany owns Gray Scale Equine LLC.
She has a 4 year degree in Equine Studies from Centenary University, is a Certified Equine Bodyworker through Equinology & The EquiLearn Institute, has been apprenticing under Freely Forward Bodywork, is a Certified PEMF Practitioner through MagnaWave, and has extensive industry experience as a Groom & Manager up to the FEI level and as a Veterinary Technician.
Reach out to Brittany to schedule a session and let her know that Maija sent you!
Great News!
We can help with that.
“Maija's knowledge and myofascial release bodywork have helped my horse leaps and bounds. Not only is my horse feeling better, she LOOKS better! She has changed my perception of bodywork for the better, and I will never go back. Can't wait to see the continued results she produces for me and my horse.”
-Lix Weick
The Tried & Trusted Process
Our Method
THERAPY
I hear you and your horse’s story and take a detailed history. I take the time to understand the root of your problem in order to provide the best and most effective treatment.
Care
We work together to pick the kind of treatment that is best for you.
Assessment
Fundamental in prolonged health and wellness, we form a care and treatment plan to treat the whole body, not just a complaint in isolation.
Our MostFrequently Asked Questions
Still wondering about something?
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Every session is a bit different. Some sessions include purely massage and myofascial release; some include only Magna Wave treatment; and some include a combination of both. Maija will make sure to gain a thorough understanding of your horse and their needs, then discuss with you the best option.
If you know of any muscular problem areas in your horse’s body, feel free to let Maija know! She can focus treatment specifically on one area or spend time on the whole body.
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Each session with Maija lasts approximately 60 minutes.
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At this time, Maija is only able to travel up to an hour outside of Chester County, PA. However, if you would like to arrange a bodywork clinic, Maija will travel further, decided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Maija directly for more details if you would like to set up a clinic.
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Not at all! All horses benefit from myofascial release and Magna Wave, regardless of age, breed, discipline, or level of work.
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The best way to schedule is to email Maija directly at maija@freelyforwardbodywork.com.
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Please make sure your horse is inside, clean, and dry. Please also make sure that there is a quiet, clean space for Maija to work - cross ties or a stall are great! It is best for your horse’s muscles to be warm for their session, so if possible, please ride or hand walk your horse to prepare.
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It is best to hand walk or turn your horse out after a session. Maija also recommends giving your horse the following 24 hours to rest.
If your horse is older or just beginning their bodywork journey, it is best to give them 48 hours off after their session, as their muscles are still acclimating to massage.
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Please don’t hesitate to reach out! Just send Maija an email and she’ll get in touch directly at freelyforwardbodywork@gmail.com.
Take your horse’s comfort & performance into your own hands
Enrol on the Equine Massage 101 course now! Designed to provide an in-depth, easy-to-understand introduction to equine myofascial release. This includes anatomy, signs and symptoms of physical discomfort, massage and stretching techniques, as well as how to troubleshoot common issues.