Heart2Heart

" A highly irritable localized spot of exquisite tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut of (skeletal muscle)" Dr. Janet Travell and David Simons

 

 

 

Trigger points and Trigger point therapy was pioneered by Dr. Janet Travell and her partner Dr. David Simons, with one of their most famous case studies being John Kennedy who when they met was riddled with pain.

 

Trigger point therapy has developed from Jonas Kellgrens findings of tender/trigger spots that form in muscles and connective tissue.  

​

So a trigger point is a combination of the irritation of a motor nerve ending within a muscle and the build up of lactic acid, thus meaning a trigger point can be found in any muscle with the larger muscles often containing more than one.

​

Characteristics of trigger points include pain including that can not be explained from neurological exams, a nodule that can be felt in the muscle, specific pain spots, stiffness in affected area/muscle, heat and referred pain.

​

Trigger points are released by using a variety of different techniques, this will depend on factors such as: reaction of the horse to the trigger points, soreness of the point, tightness of the point and affected area/muscle.

​

Benefits of equine trigger point therapy include: improved flexibility and range of movement, increased circulation to all muscles allowing them to become fully functional and improved posture as tight/ painful muscles create tension all over the horse.