13/01/2024
Let’s talk about myofascial kinetic lines, they describe body movement and stability. They look at anatomy from static to functional. These lines are results of tension due to motion patterns. The body is complex system that everything is connected, so within each of these fascial lines they either work together or antagonistic to each other.
Dysfunction in the body usually results in more than one of these lines becoming statically contracted. This can happen due to injury or trauma, ill fitting tack, poor training choices, poor rider balance , hoof or dental issues. Even high stress from the above or environmental issues where the horses welfare is not met, can cause the body to spiral in all directions.
The Superficial Dorsal Line (SDL)
(This line works antagonistic to the Superficial Ventral Line(SVL), but we will just discuss SDL for this post).
SDL - This includes the whole top line
Starts from the hindlimb, superficial flexor tendon and suspensory ligament, over the gastronemius muscle, continues to the semitendinosus, the bicep femoris muscle, inserts into the tuber ischii. Passing into the sacrotuberous ligament of the pelvis. Through the spinal muscles, the red dotted line is following under the scapula , following up through the neck to the teompral muscle of the head and attaching to the mandible .
The function of this line is to extend the neck, back and hip, and for the hind limb to flex the stifle, hock and toe. When this line and its antagonist SVL work correctly it supports the mobility and motion to create tension and flexibility of the back muscles. When the SDL becomes contracted the whole top line becomes restricted and stiff, the extended posture creates weakness within the back, and the range of motion between the vertebrae close reducing flexion , lateral flexion and rotation. This causes lack of motion within the back muscles causing them to atrophy. The hind limbs can’t bear weight correctly under the body, causing imbalanced stance under the body. This can damage joints and bony structures in the hip, stifle or tarsal joints.
Then neck will be raised in extension causing dysfunction in the thoracic sling area, putting create strain on the shoulders, the front limbs take the extra load.
When the this SDL is in contraction the back is locked, the horse can not physically work correctly, it is putting a create amount of pressure through the entire body and even harder with a rider on board. Also horses with hind limb issues or poor hoof pathology could also be causing the SDL into contraction.
Correct posture is key to helping these issues, and if fascia is never addressed it will only do its job and that is to protect the body !!!
