Functional fascial from the rehabilitation point of view with Tuulia Luomala
Sunday 29th March 2026 @ 14:00 HRS GMT
Functional fascial from the rehabilitation point of view with Tuulia Luomala
This 2-hour webinar explores fascia as a functional, sensory, and force transmitting system in the horse, with a specific focus on how fascia influences horse’s overall body awareness and interoception. Participants will gain understanding of fascia from both microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, and learn how fascial properties interact with training, manual therapy, pain and recovery strategies.
We begin by reviewing the microstructure of fascia, including collagen fiber orientation, elastin content, ground substance (hydration), and the role of fibroblasts and mechanotransduction. Attention is given to fascia adapting to loading, inflammation, immobilization, and tissue remodeling.
Next, we expand into the macro-anatomy of equine fascia, how fascia integrates muscles, and the nervous system into coordinated movement. The webinar highlights fascia as a dynamic interface between stability and mobility, providing both structural support and elastic energy transfer during movement.
Next section focuses on the horse’s body perception and interoception—how the nervous system interprets internal signals such as tension, pressure, and discomfort. Fascia is presented as a highly sensory tissue with rich innervation, influencing movement coordination, pain sensitivity, and emotional regulation. This perspective supports rehabilitation approaches that consider the horse not only as a biomechanical system, but also as a perceptual and adaptive being.
Finally, the webinar connects fascial function to recovery, including how fascial restrictions, altered tissue glide, reduced hydration may contribute to common equine dysfunctions. We discuss how fascial tissues respond to trauma and repetitive strain, and how rehabilitation can support recovery through progressive loading, variability of movement, sensory-based exercises, and manual techniques that restore mobility, elasticity, and tissue communication.
For all attendees, CPD certificates available as well as a “view only” recording of the webinar with a year access access pass. There will also be a Q and A session with ample opportunity to post questions via our interactive Q&A panel.
Tuulia Luomala
Tuulia is a licensed human physiotherapist (2000), animal physiotherapist (2002), and certified manipulative physiotherapist (Maitland concept, 2010). She has been dissecting equine and canine cadavers since 2013, in collaboration with different veterinarians. She has also trained in myofascial therapy, Lymphatouch (negative pressure therapy), cupping, laser therapy, cryotherapy, acupuncture (TCM), and kinesiotaping, and has studied fascial treatment methods such as fascial release with Thomas Myers and James Earls, structural integration with Robert Schleip, fascial manipulation with the Stecco family, and osteopathic techniques with various teachers. She has also been learning Pilates, Feldenkrais, Qi Gong, and other movement therapies.
Together with Mika Pihlman, Tuulia has developed an animal fascial manipulation method based on Luigi Stecco’s Fascial Manipulation, and she and Mika teach it around the world. In the human arena, Tuulia and Mika teach the MyFascia method, also developed with Mika.
Tuulia loves to help both humans and animals. She is passionate about treatments, anatomy, research, movement, and learning new things. Problem-solving and clinical reasoning intrigue her and motivate her to further educate herself and others.
Tuulia has presented keynotes, abstracts and workshops at conferences, including the Pelvis and Low Back Pain Congress, Fascia Research Congress, International Symposium of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, and multiple physiotherapy and osteopathy conferences. She has written several articles and books about fascia, movement, and body awareness. She is a member of research groups studying fascia, and participated in a fascial plastination project in Güben, Germany which led to the exhibition of plastinated fascial pieces as part of the 2018 Fascia Research Congress.
Website: www.animalfascialmanipulation.com
Facebook: Tuulia Luomala & animal fascial manipulation
Instagram: Tuulia Luomala & animal fascial manipulation
Publications
Luomala, T., Pihlman, M., Heiskanen, J., & Stecco, C. (2014). Case study: Could ultrasound and elastography visualized densified areas inside the deep fascia? Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(3), 462-468.
Luomala, T. & Pihlman, M. (2016). A Practical Guide to Fascial Manipulation: An evidence-and clinical-based approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Pihlman, M. & Luomala, T. (2016). Faskia–terapian ja liikkeen näkökulmasta. Lahti: VK-kustannus oy. Finland
Pihlman, M., Heiskanen J., Luomala T. & Kaaretsalo A. (2017). Hieronnan käsikirja. Sanoma Pro Oy, Helsinki. Finland
Luomala, T., Pihlman, M., Schultz, R. M. & Elbrønd, V. S. (2018). Fascial connections of peripheral nerve of the horse. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22(4), 871. (Abstract – Fascial Research Congress)
Luomala, T., Pihlman, M., Schultz, R. M. & Elbrønd, V. S. (2018). New fascial finding: band-like structure between m. vastus lateralis and m. biceps femoris. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22(4), 871. (Abstract – Fascial Research Congress)
Pihlman, M., Luomala, T. & Mäkinen, J. (2018). Liikkuvuusharjoittelu–hallittua voimaa ja liikkuvuutta. Lahti: VK-Kustannus Oy. Finland
Heiskanen, J., Jernfors, V., Parantainen, A., Camut, M., Isotalo, A., Luomala, T. & Palomäki, K. (2020). Lantionpohjan fysioterapia. Lahti: VK-Kustannus Oy. Finland
Luomala T. (2021) Monsteri Kaapissa. Basam Books Oy, Helsinki. Finland.
Luomala T. (2021) Liiku luonnon voimalla. Valo Kustannus, Lempäälä, Finland.
Luomala T. & Pihlman M. (2022) Mielellään liikkeessä. Valo Kustannus, Lempäälä, Finland.
Luomala, T. (2022). Clinical Application of Myofascial Therapy in Horses. The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice, S0749-0739.
Luomala T. (2023) Viiden voima. Valo Kustannus, Lempäälä. Finland.
Marques J.P (2024) Essential Facts of Equine Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Sport Medicine, VAHL. Chapters on Connective Tissue and Myofascial Treatments.
Luomala T., Pihlman M., Kettunen M. (2024) Mielellään itsessään. Valo Kustannus. Lempäälä. Finland.
Luomala T., Pihlman M., Schultz R., Elbrønd V.S. (2025) Atlas of the Equine and Canine Fascia System. Valo kustannus (Finland) & Kinetic Lines (Denmark).
Book