10/25/2025
Sharing some great information about Fascia from Koper Equine!
25 of the Most Interesting & Important Properties of Fascia
Fascia is a truly fascinating tissue that plays a central role in how the horse moves, feels, and functions.
Here are 25 of the most interesting and important properties of fascia
1. Fascia is a full-body communication network.
It connects every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve—literally a three-dimensional web that transmits mechanical, chemical, and electrical signals faster than nerves in some cases.
2. It’s a hydraulic system.
Fascia is made up largely of water, and its gel-like matrix allows for gliding, shock absorption, and pressure distribution. Movement and massage help keep this system hydrated and functional.
3. It has more sensory nerve endings than muscle.
Fascia is densely packed with mechanoreceptors (for pressure, tension, stretch) and nociceptors (pain sensors). It’s key in body awareness (proprioception), coordination, and even pain perception.
4. It transmits force across the body.
Muscles don’t work in isolation—fascia distributes force across chains of movement (like the deep front line or superficial back line) spreading forces both across joints and parallel to them through other tissues.
5. Fascia can contract independently of muscle.
Thanks to tiny contractile cells (myofibroblasts), fascia can hold tension on its own—even without conscious movement. This contributes to stiffness, guarding, or holding patterns.
6. It responds to emotion and stress.
Fascia tightens during physical or emotional stress as part of the body’s protective reflexes. Trauma, fear, and chronic stress can create lasting changes in fascia tone and texture.
7. It’s plastic, not elastic.
Fascia can be slowly reshaped through use or movement. Unlike muscle, which contracts and relaxes quickly, fascia responds best to slow, sustained work (like myofascial release).
8. Healthy fascia glides.
When fascia is well-hydrated and mobile, it allows tissues to slide smoothly over each other. When it’s restricted (due to injury, inflammation, or lack of movement), tissues get “sticky,” causing discomfort and dysfunction.
9. It adapts based on how your horse’s uses his body.
Fascia thickens and remodels based on your movement patterns—or lack of them. Repetitive motion, poor posture, or inactivity can lead to densification, adhesions, or restrictions.
10. Fascia has memory.
It “remembers” tension patterns from past injuries or compensations. That’s why old trauma can show up as tightness years later—and why bodywork often brings up emotional or physical releases.
Please click here to read the rest of this fascinating list - https://koperequine.com/25-of-the-most-interesting-important-properties-of-fascia/
