CN3020: Canine Trigger Point Therapy

This hands-on course offers an in-depth look at trigger point therapy for dogs. Participants in the previous course (CN3015: Advanced Massage for the Canine Athlete) received an introduction to this modality and will now build on that foundation covering a wide range of topics. These two courses are appropriate to attend back to back.

A large percentage of canines, from the active sporting dog to our daily companions, can be affected by trigger points also known as myofascial points or knots. These points are easy to address if the bodyworker knows the signs and what to look for in the compromised dog.

The course emphasizes proper and safe techniques – all anatomically referenced. It covers assessment of the entire dog, including conformation and gait evaluation, and adds new techniques to the canine bodyworker’s repertoire. The program stresses ethics and underlines marketing as well as documentation to accentuate working within the professional canine care industry and following the legal parameters.

This course is designed for canine bodyworkers or massage therapists who seek to elevate their skills to utilize trigger point therapy. Students will be paired up with a dog for the trigger point sessions in the class to get hands-on instruction and practice. Students attend class 9-5 for 3 days and have 2 hours of evening study.

The objectives for this course are as follows:

• Understand the concepts of trigger therapy
• Design and implement a safe, effective session for the dog
• List the contraindications to trigger point therapy
• Identify the areas of the dog that require additional bodywork beyond the basic levels
• Distinguish the differences of normal tissue and compromised tissue
• Recognize the symptoms of trigger point pain
• Assess and evaluate the dog’s posture and movement for deficits and restriction
• Integrate the knowledge of conformation, movement, and behavior in regards to the realistic capabilities of the client’s dog and tactfully discuss these finding with the owner
• Interpret the response from the dog in regards to the trigger point to gain insight on whether they are defensive, sensitive or relaxing for the session or if they are improving with each wellness session

The course covers:

• Evaluation and assessment of the dog prior to the session
• Contraindications
• Evaluating range of motion
• Palpation of trigger points
• Body mechanics for handling dog between floor and table
• Protocols for releasing trigger points
• Incorporating trigger point therapy into existing session
• Compensation and adaptive movement
• Location of trigger points
• Addressing trigger points
• Specific causes and activities which lead to tissue dysfunction

This course is designed for canine bodyworkers or massage therapists who wish to expand their skill set to include trigger point therapy. Successful completion of the CN3015: Advanced Massage for the Canine Athlete is required. Students must have attended a foundation canine bodywork course comparable to the CN3000: Caninology Canine Body Worker Certification course.

Externship (included in tuition):
Externship Grading (Case Studies and Visual Presentations)

Ken Bain, CMT

Ken is a Texas Licensed Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy Instructor, specializing in non-invasive trigger point therapy using massage techniques. He is a graduate of the Texas School of Massage, the Institute of Trigger Point Therapy, Pet Massage in Toledo, OH, and Massage Awareness in Wellington, FL. He is a member the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

After training and competing with canine athletes for over 15 years, Ken realized the importance of massage in keeping these athletes in peak condition. Ken has been providing bodywork for the canine athlete since 2003.

A $300 deposit is required to hold your spot in a course – the remainder of the tuition is due at least 30 days prior to the course start date. The $300 deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable, and is credited to the total tuition for the course. Confirmation letters, course outlines, required pre-study (if applicable), directions and lodging options will be sent when the $300 deposit has been received.