Massage Therapy and Myofascial Principles

The use of massage in veterinary medicine is well accepted as both a therapeutic modality and as a performance enhancing treatment. Research of massage's effects on animals is minimal. Massage therapy research on pain and musculoskeletal system function of humans and animals is reviewed. The development and the contraindication of massage is explained. Specific massage techniques and their indications are described. The contemporary definition of fascia as a tissue that envelops and integrates all body systems is presented in contrast to the historical view of it as an inert tissue whose function was merely as a covering for other tissues. The mechanical properties and force transmission of myofascia is briefly discussed. An overview of myofascial lines, trigger points and myofascial therapy is presented.