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1. Introduction and Qualifications:
To become a Certified Equine Trigger Point Myotherapist, I attended Margie Amster Herr’s equi-Myo Training program in North Granby, Connecticut. The course requires an Equine Anatomy prerequisite and involves 3 months of full time, hands on training and classroom experience. The Equi-Myo program and certifications are recognized by the umbrella organization for all Myotherapists, the National Association of Trigger Point Myotherapists.
2. What is Trigger Point Myotherapy (TPM)?
TPM is a non-invasive approach used to reduce muscle pain and to control dysfunction. It combines compression of trigger points, myo-masage and stretching techniques with muscle re-education.
2. a) what are Trigger Points?
Trigger Points are a focus of hyperirritability (sensitivity) in a tissue that, when compressed, is locally tender and, if sufficiently hypersensitive, gives rise to referred pain and tenderness.
3. Trigger Points in a muscle can:
Refer pain (often to a joint moved by the affected muscle)
Restrict range of motion or shortened range of motion
Weaken the contractile force of the affected muscle
4. Outward Signs of muscle dysfunction due to trigger points:
Resistance to the bit
Not bending around corners
Head up or tipped to one side
"Girthy", showing resistance to being tacked up
"Cold backed", avoids any pressure or contact with the back area, travelling inverted.
Limited action/not tracking up
Uneven gaits
5. Is TPM the same as massage?
NO. Research by Dr. Janet Travell (Emeritus Clinical Professor of medicine at The George Washington University School off medicine in Washington, D.C.) and David G Simons, M.D. (Clinical Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine Rehabilitation Medicine Service) has indicated that trigger points will not release unless given direct and specific attention. Massage afterward or prior to the release work is often helpful and is sometimes essential.
Voluntary (skeletal) muscle is the largest single organ of the horse’s body and accounts for 60% of body weight. Any one of these muscles can develop myofascial trigger points (TPs) that refer pain and other distressing symptoms. The contractile muscle tissues are extremely subject to the wear and tear of daily activities.
Muscle dysfunction can cause pain, which in turn causes guarding and compensation. As minor as this may start out, if the domino effect through the muscle system is not stopped, it can eventually lead to partial or complete breakdown of muscle joints and tendons. Besides working to release trigger points, I am also looking for their cause (tack fit, shoeing, environment, etc). By identifying the cause, we are often identifying part of the remedy.
6. TPM is a highly effective preventative to injury and lameness.
"Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments"
When I say these three words, our minds create three separate pictures. In actuality, a muscle and a tendon are one working unit. Tendons, as extensions of muscle, attach themselves to bones and other anchor sites. It is when a muscle contracts that movement occurs. If there is a dysfunction in the muscle it will cause tightening in the tendon. This spells serious trouble! Protect tendons by keeping muscles free.
7. What do I get from an initial visit?
The initial visit can take up to two hours, or depending on the circumstances, sometimes longer. Time is taken with the owner getting to know the horse’s history, and daily routine.
When possible, I will observe the horse turned out, in hand, lunged and ridden or driven. After I have assessed the horse’s movement I perform the hands-on assessment where I check for range of motion and trigger points. Corrective exercises and stretches that best suit the horse’s needs will be gone over and shown to the owner.
8. How many treatments before my horse is better?
The sooner a muscle dysfunction is recognized and worked with, the quicker it can be resolved. Sometimes one treatment can cause vast improvement, but long standing dysfunction takes time to rehabilitate. The owner can greatly impact the improvement of the horse with following up with the corrective exercises and stretches. This will be seen and felt more quickly than with out this regimen.
Pricing:
Local charge: Cedar/Ladysmith/South Nanaimo $50.00 (within 20km of Cedar). Due to ever rising gas prices a travel/gas fee will apply.
Rose Hill Farm Haul-in: $30.00 a session
Rose Hill Farm 3 Day Rest and Recoup: $225.00, which includes:
*TPM sessions 2 times a day with stretching
*In hand corrective exercises
*Work with owner/rider with ridden corrective exercises (or with hired rider)
*Stall, water, hay, and grain included (special arrangements for feed can be made)
*Farrier available on request
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