myofascial pain
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome is a pain condition that affects your muscles and fascia (to read more on fascia please click here). Myofascial pain syndrome (syndrome - a set of signs or symptoms that characterise a condition) puts pressure on sensitive parts of your muscles, which are called trigger points, which can cause pain in not only that part of the body but can also cause pain in, what seem to be, unrelated parts of the body too. This additional pain around the body is called referred pain.
Myofascial pain can occur anywhere around the body, and not necessarily mean that the animal has myofascial pain syndrome. The symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can cause problems when carrying out normal activities, which in turn can have a knock on effect to other ailments.
how does it progress?
In dogs this is usually seen in muscles that are contracted repeatedly with little time between contractions for the muscles to rest. For instance, dogs being taught to bite and hold, such as police dogs, over a days training may develop a tightening up of the bands of muscle used for this bite pressure to be maintained. This constant working of the muscles can lead to inflammation of the muscle and cause a constant state of contraction in those bands of muscle. These tight bands of muscle will be painful to touch and we call them myofascial trigger points, of which there are 4 types that describe how the pain will be felt and activated throughout the body. A trigger point will cause myofascial pain but they won’t necessarily have all the symptoms that are synonymous with them. Some trigger points can go unnoticed and will need to be identified by a therapist. Click here to learn more about trigger points.
Image from 'The Scotsman". Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with The Scotsman.what causes Myofascial Pain?
Repititive movement of a muscle or set of muscles
Injuries
Dehydration
‘Body Slamming’ from another dog.
Impact or trauma to a muscle (such as strains)
Overcompensation
Breed disposition
Secondary issues caused by arthritis
Acvitities of daily living, such as jumping on and off of the sofa
what are the symptoms?
Skin twitching
Sore back legs
Tight skin
Rolling on their back more than is normal
Nerves or anxiety
They may grimace or have ‘tickly’ spot around the middle of the back that activates when touched or brushed - this may ne noticed by the groomer.
Restricted range of movement
Hair flicking up where it hasn’t before
Relucatance to be touched in the area
Relucatance to be handled by groomers, vets etc
how can massage help?
As a therapist i have been trained with specific techniques to aid with myofascial pain syndrome. Painkillers and traditional NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) often don’t help with dogs with myofascial pain, so having massage therapy is the best form of treatment. Massage therapy will help in the following ways…
Ischemic compressions are used to help flood nutriets to the affected muscle
Reduction and removal or trigger points to ease restrictions and dysfunction
Helps to reduce and relieve muscle tension
Breaks down restrictive scar tissue and realigns muscle fibres
Helps to remove the pain and discomfort felt from overcompensation
Releases tight, bound fascia enabling better range of movement, which in some areas can also
Improves the circulation, which helps to deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues
Reduces inflammation
Helps to ease stress and anxiety caused by pain
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.
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
Open wounds
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Cardio-vascular conditions
Broken bones
Pregnancy