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Introduction.
Myofascial pain is a common yet often overlooked and misunderstood condition in dogs. It involves pain originating from the muscles and fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds and connects all muscles, bones, tendons and organs. In dogs, myofascial pain syndrome can significantly affect their quality of life, limiting mobility and causing pain and discomfort.
Understanding what myofascial pain is, recognising the signs of myofascial pain and what causes it enables dog owners to keep their dogs as healthy as possible.
What is Myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is a condition characterised by the development of tight and restricted fascia. Fascia is an incredible tissue. It wraps every muscle, bone, tendon and organ within the body and allows the tissues to slide and glide over each other with ease. It is defined by three interconnecting properties – Plasticity, Continuity and Sensitivity and when one or all of these properties are troubled it becomes dysfunctional. A change in its plasticity and it becomes stiff, a change in its continuity and it becomes bound to the underlying muscle tissue meaning the muscles can no longer slide and glide over each other as they once did and a change to the sensitivity of the fascia results in increased pain perception. Fascia which connects the skin to the underlying tissues can become tight, nerve endings within it become irritated and there is an increased pain sensitivity – often the skin will twitch. Dysfunctional fascial can lead to chronic pain and seriously impact a dog’s ability to move comfortably, rest and play.
What are the signs of myofascial pain?
Dogs may show one of more of the following symptoms:
Tight skin, twitching or flinching skin
Discomfort when an area is touched
Restricted range of motion
Reduced mobility
Limping
Altered posture
Behavioural changes
Reluctance to be stroked or brushed
Hair flicks
Rolling on back more often than normal
Obvious ticklish spot.
And what are the causes of myofascial pain?
There are several potential causes of myofascial pain including:
1. Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or collisions can result in muscle strain, leading to the development of painful trigger points. Even minor injuries that do not seem serious can sometimes lead to long-term muscle tension and pain which in turn affects the fascia surrounding the muscle.
2. Overuse or Repetitive Motion: Dogs that engage in repetitive activities, such as fetching, running, or jumping, can develop myofascial pain from overusing specific muscle groups. This is particularly common in working dogs or dogs that participate in agility training.
3. Poor Posture or Gait Abnormalities: Structural issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, can alter a dog’s natural posture or gait, leading to uneven muscle strain and the development of myofascial pain. Compensation for other injuries can also lead to muscle imbalances and strain.
4. Stress and Anxiety: Just like in humans, stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension in dogs. Prolonged stress can lead to muscle tightness, which, over time, may develop into trigger points that cause pain and discomfort.
5. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, spondylosis, or neurological conditions such as vestibular disease can contribute to the development of myofascial pain. These conditions may cause a dog to move differently, leading to muscle strain and tension.
How can clinical canine massage help?
Clinical Canine Massage is a non-invasive therapy that can help to manage myofascial pain in dogs. The aim of clinical canine massage is to restore the balance and plasticity of the fascia. Canine Massage Guild therapists are taught myofascial release techniques, “the seven protocols”, and when these are used in combination with massage, they can produce significant and profound changes in dogs suffering from myofascial pain.
Massage can help with:
Releasing Muscle Tension and Trigger Points: Gentle, targeted massage techniques can help to reduce tension within the muscles, reduce hypertonicity and release the tight knots or trigger points that can cause myofascial pain.
Improving Circulation: Massage helps increase blood flow to the affected areas, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and promoting faster healing. Improved circulation can also help reduce inflammation and flush out metabolic waste products that can contribute to pain.
Enhancing Range of Motion: Regular massage can help maintain or improve a dog’s range of motion by reducing muscle tightness and increasing flexibility. This can make it easier for dogs to move and engage in their daily activities without pain.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Massage therapy can have a calming effect on dogs, reducing stress and anxiety that might be contributing to muscle tension dysfunctional fascia. The physical contact and rhythmic motion of massage can release endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers, and promote relaxation.
Supporting Overall Well-being: Beyond just addressing myofascial pain, massage can contribute to a dog’s overall physical and emotional well-being. It can help improve digestion and support the immune system.
Conclusion
Myofascial pain in dogs can be challenging, but with early recognition and proper care, including the use of massage therapy, it can be effectively managed. Massage is a natural and holistic approach that not only addresses the physical symptoms of myofascial pain but also promotes relaxation, reduces stress and tension, and enhances your dog’s overall quality of life. A muscular health check with a trained Guild therapist will help to identify whether a dog has myofascial pain and start them onto the road to recovery.
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