WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT THERAPY?

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is a medically researched, non-invasive muscle therapy. Trigger points are known to cause referred pain in specific patterns throughout the equine body. They are areas of reduced blood flow and muscle dysfunction which are palpable as tight bands, knots, or generalized muscle tension.

There are two types of trigger points - active and latent, which can be primary or secondary. An active trigger point is chronically painful. Latent trigger points are only painful upon compression. Primary trigger points are located at the site of the original insult. Secondary trigger points develop in other areas as compensation for the original injury.

Once trigger points are located by the therapist, compression is applied, which blanches the area of blood. When the compression is released, freshly oxygenated blood flushes the area of lactic acid, which has been contributing to poor circulation, nerve irritation and tissue adhesion.

The efficacy of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy has been researched and proven to be beneficial in reducing chronic pain in horses.