Myofascial Examination

The concepts of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and the pain and dysfunction they cause remain relatively new and somewhat controversial topics in veterinary medicine. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and MTrPs in human health care are not without its skeptics and critics. In canine patients, it is imperative that the myofascial examination be included in the overall lameness workup. The myofascial examination assesses muscles for pain and dysfunction. More specifically, it could be defined as examining skeletal muscle to identify MTrPs. Identifying taut bands and hypersensitive MTrPs within the muscle is an acquired skill that requires an understanding of muscular anatomy and practice. A better understanding of the patterns of myalgia and dysfunction associated with secondary MPS may assist in the localization of the primary issue and identifying additional areas for therapeutic intervention.