Myofascial trigger point therapy and orthopedic friction are two of the most effective soft tissue treatments for reducing and eliminating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in both humans and dogs. Many dogs that present with on-and-off lameness, along with chronic dysfunction or limited mobility, very often suffer from myofascial trigger points. Trigger points initiate a downward spiral that begins with limited range of motion and inhibited muscle contractibility; they are often responsible for a multitude of issues, including ischemia in the tissues, referred pain patterns, nerve impingement, and limited joint movement which adds to degenerative changes within the joints.

Additionally, practitioners working with soft tissue fail to apply techniques to address tendons, ligaments, and fascial attachment sites. Orthopedic friction is often the missing link.  This form of soft tissue manipulation improves connective tissue mobility, breaks down and realigns scar tissue, and deactivates myofascial trigger points in ligaments and periosteum attachments of tendons. 

Both of these advanced techniques are powerful and indispensable tools that should be part of every canine massage therapist and rehab practitioner’s toolbox. Myofascial trigger point therapy is a time efficient way to assess tissue health, and it effectively decreases pain, increases range of motion, and assists in tissue healing which allows ongoing strengthening and rehabilitation.  Orthopedic friction improves connective tissue mobility, breaks down and realigns scar tissue, and deactivates myofascial trigger points in ligaments and periosteum attachments of tendons. 

In this 3-day hands-on workshop, participants learn how to apply myofascial trigger point and orthopedic friction techniques to specific structures for all soft tissue injuries and to promote overall healing.

Course hours include 24 in-class hours and 8 hours for post-workshop assignments: a final exam and targeted case studies.

CE hours approved for RACE (24) and NBCAAM (32).