How Trigger Point Myotherapy Can Benefit Your Horse and Dog

What is Trigger Point Myotherapy?

Myotherapy literally means muscle therapy. It's a method for relieving pain based on the application of compression to trigger points in the body. Trigger Point Myotherapy (TPM) developed out of a method of pain relief developed by Dr. Janet Travell, M.D.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are defined as hypersensitive locations in the muscles that cause pain in response to undue stress. They develop into tight bands or knots within the muscles. These bands or knots can cause the muscles to spasm, limit the movement of joints, and cause pain.

Trigger points often don't occur in the same location where the pain is felt. Instead the pain may occur some distance from the actual location of the trigger point.

How Does TPM Work?

TPM is a non-threatening and non-invasive technique. It utilizes the hands, knuckles, and fingers of the Myotherapist to locate trigger points within the body. The Myotherapist then uses compression to help relieve these trigger points. And also assisted passive stretching to help re-educate the muscles to what they're capable of doing. The assisted passive stretching combined with corrective exercises assists relaxation, strengthening and lengthening of the affected muscles. The combination of the therapy with the stretching and exercises is used to develop flexibility, strength and stamina in the muscles thus alleviating pain and stiffness.

How Can Myotherapy Help My Canine Companion?

Most pet owners have had the experience of their dog injuring him or herself or experiencing the joint and muscular pain that comes with getting older.

Using TPM can be used for:

• The function of joints and muscles.
• Aid in improving range of movement and general body tone.
• Relief of relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Add to your canine companion's overall sense of well-being.

How Will Myotherapy Help My Horse?

Horses that have had problems with - cold backed, one-sideness, shortened strides, resistance and refusing have been helped by using Trigger Point Myotherapy.

Our pets give so much to us and helping them to live a life free of pain is one thing we can do to express our gratitude to them.

About The Author
This article has been compiled with the assistance of Aileen D'Angelo. Aileen is Reiki Master, Animal Communicator and Canine Trigger Point Myotherapist based in the USA. Visit her website at www.reikiforcritters.com

International Animal Myotherapists

United States of America

• Hoof, Paw and Claw Reiki (Massachusetts, USA)

Would you like information on Myotherapists for your animal? Please email us at info@taranet.co.uk - we'll be pleased to try and assist!

You can get more information on many complementary therapies for animals here at Taranet. Take a look at the sitemap here for a list.