Trigger Point Therapy for Dogs (2.5 hrs)
Trigger Points for Dogs
2.5 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Andy Eckley
Dogs, like humans, can develop trigger points within muscles that contribute to pain, movement restriction, altered gait patterns, reduced performance, and changes in behaviour. Yet many therapists and animal professionals receive little formal training in identifying and addressing these soft tissue dysfunctions.
Trigger Points for Dogs introduces participants to the practical application of trigger point therapy within canine populations, combining anatomical understanding with hands-on treatment concepts and clinical observation skills.
Designed for animal therapists and rehabilitation professionals, this course explores how trigger points may influence canine comfort, movement quality, performance, and overall wellbeing, while providing practical approaches that can be integrated into professional practice.
Course Overview
Across this 2.5-hour CE/CPD course, participants will explore the fundamentals of canine trigger point therapy, including trigger point identification, common muscular dysfunction patterns, assessment considerations, and practical treatment applications.
The course combines anatomy education, trigger point theory, and practical demonstrations to help practitioners better understand how muscular dysfunction may contribute to discomfort, altered movement, compensation patterns, and reduced function in dogs.
Supported by a fully illustrated course workbook, lesson quizzes, online examination, and certificate of completion, the program provides a structured learning experience designed to strengthen both theoretical understanding and practical application within canine therapy settings.
What You Will Learn
| Topic | Focus |
|---|---|
| Trigger Point Fundamentals | Understanding trigger points, muscular dysfunction, and their potential impact on canine movement and comfort |
| Canine Functional Anatomy | Exploring key muscle groups and their role in movement, posture, and performance |
| Assessment & Observation | Recognising signs of muscular dysfunction, altered movement, and compensation patterns |
| Practical Treatment Applications | Safe and effective trigger point therapy approaches for canine patients |
| Clinical Integration | Applying trigger point concepts within canine rehabilitation, performance, and wellness programs |
Course Content
The course combines canine anatomy education, trigger point theory, movement assessment concepts, and practical treatment demonstrations to help practitioners better understand soft tissue dysfunction in dogs.
| Module | Focus |
|---|---|
| Understanding Trigger Points | The development, characteristics, and effects of trigger points in canine musculature |
| Canine Anatomy & Function | Muscle groups, movement patterns, and functional anatomy considerations |
| Assessment Principles | Observation, palpation concepts, and recognising potential trigger point involvement |
| Practical Treatment Demonstrations | Step-by-step trigger point therapy applications for canine patients |
| Integrating Trigger Point Therapy | Using trigger point techniques within broader canine rehabilitation and wellness programs |
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for canine massage therapists, animal rehabilitation professionals, veterinary physiotherapists, veterinary nurses, canine bodyworkers, animal manual therapists, and other professionals working within their legal scope of practice.
It is especially valuable for practitioners who work with active dogs, performance dogs, rehabilitation cases, senior dogs, or canine clients experiencing muscular tension, movement restriction, compensation patterns, or reduced physical function.
About Andy Eckley
Andy Eckley is a dual-practicing human and equine soft tissue therapist, known for his dedicated interest in trigger point therapy and his innovative approach to animal treatment techniques.
His distinctive practice combines extensive experience working with both human and animal patients, providing a unique perspective on movement dysfunction, muscular health, and soft tissue rehabilitation across species.
When not teaching or providing therapy, Andy serves as an Animal Safety Representative for the American Humane Association on film sets, helping ensure the ethical treatment and welfare of animals within the entertainment industry.
A valued member of the NAT Global Campus faculty since 2018, Andy teaches courses in equine therapy, Bowen Therapy, and animal rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on practical application and professional development.
Included With This Course
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Classes | Practical trigger point therapy demonstrations and canine anatomy instruction presented by Andy Eckley |
| Illustrated Course Workbook | Comprehensive workbook covering trigger point theory, anatomy, assessment, and treatment concepts |
| Lesson Quizzes | Knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning throughout the course |
| Online Exam | Assessment included for course completion |
| Certificate | 2.5 Hours CE/CPD following successful completion |
| Lifetime Access | Study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever required |
CE Finder
This course has been approved for continuing education by numerous professional boards and associations worldwide. Scroll sideways to find your board or association.
Approvals Listed: 4
CE Broker Provider: #20-1316602
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Approval requirements can change. Please confirm acceptance with your own board, association, employer, or regulatory authority before registration.
Trigger Point Therapy for Dogs
Professional Reviews & Feedback
The reviews below represent feedback provided by students and practitioners through Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Judge.me.
“Andy Eckley presents canine trigger point therapy in a way that is practical, responsible, and easy to understand.”
“The course helped me better understand how trigger points may influence movement, comfort, and performance in dogs.”
“I appreciated the emphasis on observation, palpation, and working within the comfort level of the animal.”
“The demonstrations were excellent. Seeing the techniques applied to real dogs made a huge difference.”
“This course gave me a much better appreciation of canine anatomy and how trigger points may affect movement patterns.”
“Andy explains the material clearly and always keeps animal welfare at the centre of the discussion.”
“A fascinating course that bridges manual therapy principles and canine care exceptionally well.”
“The practical handling tips were just as valuable as the trigger point content itself.”
“I work with active dogs and found the movement and assessment discussions particularly useful.”
“The course helped me understand how subtle changes in posture and gait can reveal important information.”
“The material was professional, well organised, and suitable even for therapists with limited canine experience.”
“I appreciated that the course focused on practical application rather than simply presenting theory.”
“The canine anatomy sections were presented clearly and helped me build confidence quickly.”
“This course opened my eyes to how transferable many manual therapy principles can be when adapted appropriately.”
“Andy's teaching style is calm, practical, and very easy to follow.”
“The videos provided excellent examples of handling, positioning, and working respectfully with dogs.”
“A very worthwhile course for anyone interested in canine massage, rehabilitation, or manual therapy.”
“The assessment and treatment demonstrations complemented the course notes perfectly.”
“The course helped me develop a more structured approach to evaluating muscular dysfunction in dogs.”
“An engaging and professionally presented course that combines canine anatomy, assessment, and trigger point therapy very effectively.”
