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Myofascial Chains

2 Day CPD Course for Professional Equine Therapists

with Gillian Higgins

Next Date TBA

Wavendon Grange, Lawn Lane, Old Dalby, Leicestershire, LE14 3LW

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Muscles of opposite action work together in groups of pairs and those groups work together in chains. These myofascial chains, which can be dissected, connect all parts of the body together. Understanding their connections helps to explain equine movement, function, compensation patterns and postural and movement alterations following injury.


In this course, we look at the anatomy and biomechanics of all the myofascial chains within the horse and how they connect together. Gillian explains the postural and movement alterations you can expect to see when there is weakness, tension or problems within each chain. She demonstrates observation and assessment techniques and how to test each chain.


As well as a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises that can be performed in hand, ridden or in the stable, Gillian will demonstrate myofascial release techniques to improve myofascial health and balance.

Course Trailer

This course is suitable for qualified therapists from all disciplines wishing to revise techniques or explore new ones to add to their toolbox.


It is a mix of theory, practical demonstrations and small group hands-on practical sessions. It also provides the opportunity to network, share information and discuss interesting or challenging cases with other practitioners in a relaxed and supportive environment.


This course is a brilliant follow on from the
Fascia Release Techniques Course
which runs on the Monday and Tuesday just before this course.


If you would like to read another therapists review of the day check out this blog article.


Key Points

During this course Gillian will examine the anatomy and connections of the myofascial chains including the:-


  • Spinal flexor / ventral chains

  • Spinal extensor / dorsal chains

  • Forelimb protraction chain

  • Forelimb retration chain

  • Abduction chains

  • Adduction chains

  • Lateral flexion chains


After studing the anatomy and connections for each chain we will consider techniques during the practical sessions which will include chain:-


  • palpation

  • assessment

  • tests

  • therapeutic techniques

  • stretching exercises

  • strengthening eexercises

Provisional Timetable

details

DAY 1

09.00: Registration and Coffee

09.30: An introduction to Myofascial Chains
Classroom Session

10.00: The Extensor Chains
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

11.15 Break

11.45: The Flexor Chains
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

13.00: Lunch

14.00: The Forelimb Protraction Chain
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

15.00: Break

15.30: The Forelimb Retraction Chain
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

16.30: Questions and Discussion

17.00: Close

DAY 2

09.00: Coffee

09.30: Questions and Discussion

10.00: The Thoracic Sling Muscles
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

11.00: Break

11.30: Forelimb Abduction Chains
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

12.30: Lunch

13.30: Hindlimb Abduction Chain
The Anatomy, Tests, Exercises and Techniques

14.30: Break

15.00: Myofascial Chains Painted Overview

16.00: Questions and Discussion

16.30: Close

Notes

We envisage this course to be very popular so early booking is advised.

Certificates of Participation (CPD) will be emailed after the course. Course notes will be provided.

Tea, coffee, home-made cakes and a light lunch of sandwiches, crisps and fruit is included.

This course is held both inside and out so please bring appropriate warm clothes for a day out on the yard.

This course is limited to 14 people to ensure small groups and individual attention.

Prerequisites

All participants must provide proof of professional equine therapy qualification and current professional indemnity insurance.


Recommended Reading


It is recommended that you read the myofascial chapters of
Posture and Performance 


and watch these on-demand webinars:

Understanding Muscles and Fascia

Muscular Misconceptions

Prices

charges

Prices include VAT

Myofascial Chains Course

14th and 15th September

£395

Book

Package offers available on the 2-day September CPD courses:-

All three of the 2-day September CPD courses this September for £1000

Any 2 of the 2-day September CPD courses for £770

1. Fascia Release - 11th and 12th September 2023
2. Myofascial Chains & Myofascial Release Techniques - 14th and 15th September 2023
3. Joint Mobilisations and Musculoskeletal Testing - 18th and 19th September 2023

Course Leader

lead

Gillian Higgins

Gillian is an equine anatomist, biomechanist, BHS Senior Coach, professional Sports and Remedial Therapist and author with a first class honours degree in Equine Science and Business Management.



Gillian is passionate about posture. She specialises in assessing the musculoskeletal systems and designing exercise programmes for improving posture and performance as well as assessing and addressing individual horses’ weaknesses. 

Gillian has studied a variety of equine and human modalities both traditional and holistic.



 

As well as conventional training, Gillian has studied equine therapies in America, France, Germany and Sweden and is committed to giving our equine partners the best possible levels of care and consideration.

 

 

Gillian works with horses from all disciplines and levels from leisure to Olympic.

venue

Venue and Horses

Marvin pony skeleton head and neck

All of Gillian's courses are supported by a wealth of photographs and video footage taken from years worth of work including footage of her anatomically painted horses and from her dissections.

 

Also on the day of the course, you will have access to Gillian's large collection of bones and anatomical models.

 

This ensures that you will be better able to visualise the structures we discuss on this course.

This course is run at the Horses Inside Out headquarters, Wavendon Grange near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.

 

The facilities at this central UK location include a small yard with a variety of horses, arenas and a classroom complete with audiovisual facilities.

 

This is a comfortable and professional space for learning where you are always guaranteed a friendly welcome.

​Gillian has many bones, skeletons and anatomical models in the teaching barn for you to view and handle.

 

Being able to bring horses into the teaching barn alongside the anatomical models really helps to combine the theory and the practice! 

Recommended Reading

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