muscle spasm

What are muscle spasms?

Muscle spasms are localised twitches that might result from overexertion, neurological damage, or a physical injury. A muscle spasm is an involuntary and sudden contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles. The muscle spasm itself isn’t dangerous however it can be painful, especially if it happens for a long period of time. Muscle spasms can also be an indication of something more serious happening inside the body, such as trapped nerves, muscle damage or of slipped discs in the spine. If the dog experiences muscle spasms regularly it would be beneficial to visit a vet to diagnose the cause of the spasms

what causes them?

The spasms present themselves as tremors beneath the skin but also, if persistent, can cause lameness, pain and also lead to depression.

  • Strains or sprains

  • Injuries

  • Neurological Disorders, eg Dystonia (which is a disorder effecting the basal ganglia which is a part of the brain that aids with coordination of movement)

  • Allergies

  • Dehydration

  • Medication

  • Trigger Points in the muscle

  • Slipped discs

  • Trapped nerves

what are the symptoms?

  • Prolonged spasms can cause localised pain in the affected muscle

  • Inbalance and instability

  • Involuntary tremors beneath the skin

  • Persistant spasms can cause depression

  • Persistant spasms can cause lameness

  • Muscle cramps

  • Hypertonity (a hardening of the muscle fibres)

  • Muscle weakness

If muscle spasms are persistant and do subside then it would be necessary for a vets visit to diagnose the problem and organise a treatment plan to aid

treatment, and how massage can help?

Although the spasms would usually subside by themselves once the dog has been rehydrated and rested, it may be necesary to have treatment to aid with the removal of them. Here are some of the treatment options that will help…

Massage therapy and other therapy i can provide:

  • Thermotherapy (hot and cold therapy) - which I will be able to help with

  • Fascilitated stretching of the muscle can aid with removing spasms

  • The warming of the muscle will aid with reducing the spasms

  • Removal of trigger points will reduce or remove muscle spasms

  • Removal of soft tissue dysfunction will help reduce or remove spasms

Other types of therapy:

  • Redydration

  • Rest

  • Nutritional supplements

  • Avoiding strenuous exercise that can cause sprains and strains

  • Muscle relaxers prescribed by a vet

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Pregnancy

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema

  • Bruises