Trigger Point Therapy

Those of you who have had a massage would know what a trigger point is. They are very localised, tender ‘knots’ that can be found in any muscle of the body. The affected areas of muscle are contractured (the muscle has fatigued or run out of energy and so cannot relax). Trigger points may just lead to reduced flexibility and muscle weakness or can cause spontaneous local or referred pain (pain felt at a distance from its source).

A common trigger point is found in the trapezius muscle of people (if you find a tender spot at the back of your shoulder where a singlet/dress strap would sit then you have just found a trigger point).

Trigger points are a common cause of episodic or chronic pain in people (including tension headaches,

neck /lower back pain and frozen shoulders) and have also been reported in other animal species (including dogs, cats, horses and rabbits). In dogs and cats, trigger points will often develop after

musculoskeletal injury or secondary to arthritis and can cause stiffness and lameness.

A wide variety of physical therapies have been used to treat human trigger points. Pam Short and Mark Hocking treat trigger points in dogs and cats using an electrical nerve stimulator, pressure-release massage or with certain acupuncture techniques. Often a lameness that has not responded well to other treatment, will improve well or resolve with trigger point therapy.

Ice is a seven year old male Old English Sheepdog who first developed lower back pain as a four year old. Episodes of pain prevented him from clearing jumps during Agility trials (he is a sporting dog).

Radiographs (X-rays) of his back have shown no abnormalities.

Treatment of his trigger points over the last six months by Pam Short and Mark Hocking has helped him greatly and he has now competed at four Agility events without any problem.

Further information on trigger point therapy is available on our website or on brochures found in the GVH reception area. If you feel that trigger point therapy may help your pet, do not hesitate to contact, or make an appointment for your pet to see, either Pam or myself.                                Mark.