Dogs and humans experience trigger points and many turn to massage as an effective way of relieving them. Compared with using kinesiotaping, is massage better for treating trigger points, relieving pain and restoring proper muscle function?

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are hyperirritable, taut bands that typically form in the belly of the muscle. Trigger points form when toxins such as lactate acid accumulate in the muscle in response to muscle tension. The toxicity irritates the motor nerve endings in the muscle fibres so that when pressure is applied to the point, pain is referred to other parts of the body associated with those nerve endings.

Trigger points are typically referred to as “active” and “latent”. Active trigger points are those that cause persistent pain and affect movement. As movement is restricted these trigger points result in reduced muscle activity and strength.

Latent or silent trigger points however are not painful until direct pressure is applied to them. Latent trigger points can spontaneously become active trigger points.

Taping vs massage for treating trigger points

In a study of humans with latent trigger points in the trapezius muscle, the participants were split into two treatment groups: kinesiotaping or friction massage. The study measured the two treatments based on:

• pressure pain threshold at the trigger point site and

• grip strength.

Initial evaluation of these measures were taken prior to the treatments.

Treatments

The massage group received three (3) sessions of friction massage over three (3) successive days.

The kinesiotape was used for 72 hours.

Pain threshold and grip strength measurements were taken one hour after the last massage sessions and after the removal of the kinesiotape.

Results

This study showed that participants’ pain threshold actually decreased after the interventions. It is thought that the treatments stimulated and activated the latent trigger points, making them active trigger points.

In terms of grip strength, the group that received friction massage demonstrated improved grip strength. The effect of friction massage is attributed to mechanically manipulating the affected muscle fibres whereas the pressure of the tape may have been insufficient to affect grip strength.

Treating trigger points in dogs

While this study tested the effects of friction massage on trigger points, it is not a technique that I would initially apply to dogs with trigger points. The reason for this is that trigger points are painful and friction massage even with light pressure can be too intense.

My preference in treating trigger points is to first gently warm the muscles using light effleurage, wringing and compressions.

Once the area is warm and the nerve endings less irritable, then a trigger point technique can be applied to relieve the congestion and tenderness.

Once the trigger point is cleared, then friction massage can be applied along the length of the muscle to ensure good drainage of the toxins and draw oxygen and nutrients to the muscle fibres.

Following a treatment that has relieved a trigger point, the area will remain sensitive. Cool treatments like cool, damp towels or ice packs will calm the nerve endings and flush fresh blood through the muscle to assist with healing.

Full Stride provides remedial canine massage and exercise therapy to keep dogs healthy and active. Please let me a comment and follow Full Stride on Facebook.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.

Source:
Hourdebaight, Jean-Pierre 2004, Canine Massage: A complete reference manual 2nd edition, Dogwise Publishing, Wenatchee WA, USA

Mohamadi, M., Piroozi, S., Rashidi, I., & Hosseinifard, S. (2017). Friction massage versus kinesiotaping for short-term management of latent trigger points in the upper trapezius: a randomized controlled trial. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 25(1), 25.