Trigger Point Release for Dog

Benefits/Purpose:  As a PT, I can locate specific areas of trigger points. When trigger points are addressed with trigger point release your dog will be more comfortable, willing and able to exercise/compete, be more active and have an improved mood/behavior.  Trigger Point Release (TPR) will reduce or resolve pain, strengthen muscle by releasing the restrictive bands, improve range of motion (ROM), settle/improve sleep quality, improve sporting performance with reduced recovery periods, and more willing to be touched/groomed/petted/examined.  It also can address, resolve, and support chronic ongoing pain with great success and is key to pain management. 

Frequency/Duration:  It depends on the age, vitality, degree of injury, length of time that the trigger point has been active, and how much the dog is using the muscles involved.  Some trigger points can be deactivated with one session and some trigger points may take 4-6 treatments.  At least two-three days between treatments is needed in order for the removal of any metabolic waste or previously damaged cell material from the interstitial fluid.

What is a trigger point?  As defined by Taber's Medical dictionary a trigger point or trigger zone is "an area of tissue that is tender when compressed and may give rise to referred pain (pain that is distant from the point of pain) and tenderness." Two main types of trigger points, latent and active.  Latent trigger points only hurt when they are touched but still prevent proper functioning of the muscle. Active trigger points evolve when there is overuse or injury to the body.  These points cause pain when the muscle is used, and when severe, even at rest. 

Identifying trigger points in the dog is done through palpation of the tissues. A healthy muscle is pliable, is not tender to pressure, does not have tight bands within it and is not reactive to touch.  When trigger points are present, bands of skeletal muscle have bound together and become compressed and contracted, in often what is referred to as a 'knot'.   The muscle fibers sustain this contraction which leads to a pain cycle, which can mimic, cause and complicate other mobility issues and are a common issue in relation to orthopedic conditions and muscular strain.

Why do they happen and what you may see?  Repetitive activity, injury, enforced cage rest, age, inactivity, overuse. Studies have reported that trigger points "may also be related to clinical and subclinical degenerative joint disease (DJD), intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), spondylosis as well as vertebral misalignment."

You may see twitching or flinching of the skin, your dog may scream/yelp when you pick them up, overly sensitive when handling, fatigues quickly on walks, unwilling to exercise, unwilling to be groomed/examined in certain areas: behind shoulder/back of rear legs, coat changes in a confined area, weight gain through the difficulty of exercising, stiffness when rising, weakness in the hind limbs, lack of coordination, lack of proprioception, and reduced performance- slowing down.