Myofascial Release for Horse & Rider
Fascia is one connected system- when it's restricted in one place, and the whole body finds a way to work around it. Having a restriction is like sticking a pin into a sheet on the wall- the sheet still hangs, but because of that one point- it now hangs unevenly.
I work with both horses and people utilizing hands on MFR and Deep Wave Therapy, because the two are rarely separate. A horse's tension often traces back to the rider and a rider's imbalance always shows up in the horse. Working on only half of the the partnership will only yield a fraction of the results.
Equine MFR — gentle, whole-body work that restores mobility and ease for horses in work and in recovery.
Human MFR — the same principles applied to riders and non-riders alike, addressing the restrictions that limit movement, comfort, and performance.
Sessions available in Sonoma County and Northern California.
Read more about Myofascial Release
Deep wave therapy myofascial Release for Horse & Rider
What is deep wave therapy?
Deep wave therapy is a hands-on bodywork technique that uses a rhythmic mechanical wave, applied through a handheld tool, to move through the fascia: the continuous web of connective tissue that wraps every muscle, joint and organ. It works with myofascial release, reaching larger areas and deeper layers than hands alone can sustain.
What does it do?
1. Mechanical vibration. The rhythmic wave puts steady motion into the tissue. Fascial layers that have become sticky or adhered are encouraged to separate and glide again, the way working a stuck zipper back and forth loosens it.
2. Piezoelectric signaling. Fascia is piezoelectric, which means it generates a small electrical charge when mechanically stressed. That charge is thought to signal fibroblasts, the cells that build and remodel fascia, to begin reorganizing collagen in the area.
3. Fluid movement. The rhythmic pressure acts like a pump. It is thought to push stagnant fluid out of tight, gelled areas and draw fresh fluid in. This can temporarily stir things up, with a little extra fluid or pressure in the area, before the tissue settles into better fluid exchange and hydration.
4. Warmth and pliability. The vibration may generate a small amount of heat. Fascia's ground substance can shift from a thick, gel-like state to a more fluid one (thixotropy), which makes it more pliable and easier to reorganize.
In short, the wave loosens stuck layers, signals the cells to remodel, and flushes stagnant fluid out while bringing fresh fluid in.
Why horses benefit
Horses carry a rider's weight and asymmetry, the pressure of a saddle and girth, and years of repetitive work through one connected fascial network, so restriction in one place often shows up somewhere else.
Research supports looking at fascia in horses. In a University of Copenhagen study, six horses with myofascial tension or imbalance were treated for a total of just two minutes across two regions. Researchers then tracked tissue changes with bioimpedance at 1, 24 and 48 hours, and found a 58% decrease in one measure of tissue tension over 48 hours (P=0.003). The effects were still developing two days later, which is why the days after a session matter. The same work notes that some tissue groups can briefly get worse before improving, over roughly 24 to 48 hours. If your horse seems a little different for a day or two after a session, that is part of the process. This is why I recommend horses are given 48 hours off from riding or lunging after the first session.
What fascial restriction can look like in a horse
- Stiffness or resistance on one rein, or difficulty bending one way
- Reluctance to move off the leg, uneven strides, or short, choppy movement
- Tension or bracing in the back, neck or hindquarters
- Sensitivity to grooming, girthing or saddling
- A tail carried to one side, or visible asymmetry in muscling
- Difficulty with transitions or lateral work
Working with your vet
Deep wave therapy is complementary bodywork. It doesn't replace veterinary diagnosis or care, and I'm happy to work alongside your vet.
Integrated Biomechanics & Functional Movement Sessions
A 2-hour deep-dive session combining bio-mechanics, movement and MFR. Each session includes video analysis of your riding (when applicable), a full postural assessment, targeted Pilates and functional movement exercises, and Myofascial Release.
Where a bodywork session addresses restriction and a movement session builds strength and awareness, this combines both: we look at how you actually move, understand why, and work on what's driving it, all in one sitting.
Best for riders looking to break through a plateau, address a recurring asymmetry, or simply understand their body's patterns more deeply.
Session cost $220
What the clients think
"For an equestrian, the efficacy of doing this work with someone who understands the workings of the human body as well as the movements of the horse, is invaluable. Abby excels at this combination! My work with Abby has transformed my riding position creating balance and comfort for my horse and me." - David
"Abby is a truly gifted bodyworker ~ gentle but precise and effective. Her work is subtle, attuned and well-considered. I treasure our sessions and truly notice a difference in my body and mind, both after each treatment and cumulatively over time". - LJK
"Abby is my go-to bodywork specialist for myofascial release work. Her gentle, intuitive and heart centered approach has led to profound changes in my body. I came to Abby for neck pain. After one session the pain was almost completely gone and I left our session feeling relief through my whole body! I even noticed after our session that my bloating went away. My pants literally fit differently after our session. I have continued to see Abby for routine myofascial release work and each time she seems to know exactly where my tension is without me even telling her. Her touch is magic and my body is so much happier since I started sessions with her!" - VLD
" I cannot recommend Abby enough! She came highly recommended to me by several barn mates whom Abby has worked with, and her work on my mare (who is rehabbing from a significant injury) has been immensely helpful! I’ve seen a difference in her movement and attitude after just one session with Abby! We are excited to continue working with Abby and having her work support our training work moving forward." -E.O
"I have been working with Abby for the past three years and can confidently say her work on my performance horses has been the support they need to take it to the next level. The change and progress they have made since adding her sessions into their routine is undeniable."