The Divide In Superficial and Profound Fascia

Within the body of our canine and equine patients, the fascia comprises two separate (yet not so separate) layers.

Superficial fascia

The superficial fascia lies directly beneath the skin and encapsulates the entire body. Within it are pockets and slits where the cutaneous muscles are held.

Collagen fibres in the superficial fascia are oriented in an oblique pattern within a trilaminar (three-layered) membrane, allowing them to follow movement and respond to tension and stress in many different directions.

Profound fascia

The profound or deep fascia lies beneath the superficial fascia and forms what we can think of as the basic skeleton of the body – determining the shape and form of the body. The deep fascia includes a wide range of connective tissue, from soft and irregular, to dense and irregular, to dense and regular – all dependent on the arrangement of the collagen fibres in a particular tissue.

For example, tendons and ligaments would be considered dense and regular parts of the profound fascia. Joint capsules would be considered dense and irregular. Areolar or loose connective tissue is soft and irregular.

Where superficial and deep don’t divide

In horses, fascia tends to be tight, making it challenging to distinguish between the deep and superficial fascial layers in certain areas. Some of the areas where the deep and superficial fascia are closely connected, include:

• The dorsal midline
• The ventral midline
• The area cranial to the scapula
• The flank
• The distal limbs

Keep learning about fascia

If you want to keep expanding your knowledge and understanding of the fascia, join us live at the Vet Rehab Summit 2023 on the 10^th and 11^th of November, which is all about myofascial chains.

Vibeke S. Elbrønd and Rikke M. Schultz, authors of Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines for Professionals, will join us live for 11 hours of fascinating lectures.

There are 11 myofascial kinetic lines, including:

• Superficial Dorsal Line (SDL)
• Superficial Ventral Line (SVL)
• Deep Dorsal Line (DDL)
• Deep Ventral Line (DVL)
• Lateral Line (LL)
• Spiral Line (SL)
• Functional Line (FL)
• Front Limb Protraction Line (FLPL)
• Front Limb Retraction Line (FLRL)
• Front Limb Adduction Line (FADL)
• Front Limb Abduction Line (FABL)

These 11 myofascial kinetic lines occur in both the dog and the horse. Understanding their anatomy, function, testing and treatment will allow us to more holistically evaluate and treat each one of our patients.

At this year’s Vet Rehab Summit 2023, you can expect a deep dive into the myofascial kinetic lines in your patients: 

10 November 

• Understanding the fascia from a 3D perspective, Vibeke S. Elbrønd
• The anatomy and function of the fascial lines, Rikke M. Schultz
• Functional testing of the fascial lines (SDL, SVL, LL, DDL, DVL), Vibeke S. Elbrønd
• Local treatment of the fascial lines (SDL, SVL, LL, DDL, DVL),Vibeke S. Elbrønd

11 November 

• Functional testing of the fascial lines (frontlimb lines, SL, FL), Rikke M Schultz
• Local treatment of the fascial lines (frontlimb lines, SL, FL), Rikke M Schultz
• Understanding your canine patient from a fascial perspective, Vibeke S. Elbrønd
• Understanding your equine patient from a fascial perspective, Rikke M. Schultz

Purchase your ticket to attend the Vet Rehab Summit 2023 now.