What happens to muscles affected by trigger points?  Trigger points in a muscle can create all kinds of problems. They can be quiet for long periods of time looking for an excuse to go into spasm. That excuse, can be caused by physical and/or emotional stress, and is often accompanied by precipitating factor(s) (such as a sneeze, a hiccup, a slip on ice/wet grass).  Although you may have the symptom of pain directly following such factor(s); the reality is that your body has been following this muscle weakening pattern and now it's just been made 'obvious' to you by this painful episode.   

As Human: we feel these discomforts and most often can treat them with a pain modifier (anti-inflammatory) or simply rest when we start to have these uncomfortable symptoms.  Most often this is the case and the muscle spasm goes away and we feel that we are okay to get back into the game (motion).  However the Trigger Points (Muscle~Knots) are still present awaiting another perpetuating factor (It's excuse) to put you into 'RESTING MODE' again! The longer these Tp's are present and ongoing, the area of muscular involvement becomes larger which then causes more chronic symptoms; limited ROM, easily to fatigue, nerve pinching, and more... 

As An Animal:  these discomforts are felt and not quite understood.   When your companion, canine/equine, needs to be put into 'RESTING MODE', it's more likely to be called 'LAID UP'/'CRATE REST'/'STALL REST'...By the time we see a visual lameness there is already a much broader area of muscular involvement and our companions have already been 'feeling the burn' (pain) for quite some time. 

Change your Range can help in developing a plan to best avoid this chronic lameness/stiffness.  You will learn how to better manage exercise regimens and learn how to know when more is 'too much' and how little is 'not enough'! 

You will learn to read your companion in a new way and enjoy the benefits this new found relationship! 

How long will my pet need therapy?   Every animal is an individual therefore depending on your pet's presenting condition(s) and desired goals, therapy can last anywhere from 1 month (a few visits) to a few months or longer.  Each therapy plan is individualized and owner participation is key to establishing a maintenance schedule for at home while utilizing the therapists services for check-in points and/or therapy/strengthening exercises you are unable to achieve at home.   Our goal is to help your companion reach his/her full potential the quickest/most efficient way possible with the least out-of-pocket expense! 

Maintenance programs may become desired and are scheduled either monthly/bimonthly/quarterly pending your goals, animal's presenting ailments, whether you are competing or just ensuring QOL measures.  

How long will the visits take?  The initial visit takes approximately 60-90mins.  This assessment helps you and the therapist determine successful goals and formulate a therapy plan.  Future therapy visits will vary in duration depending on therapies/strengthening exercises being offered.  Please allow a 1 hour minimum for subsequent visits.  

What are the hours?  Change your Range is presently offering a flexible schedule to best fit the needs of client services.  For Equine clientele dates of Barn visits are scheduled in advanced to best fit our schedules.  For Canine clientele, Traveling to your home is available, usually discussed on initial phone introduction; pending your pets needs and ease to travel.  Home office hours are presently Tuesdays/Fridays/Saturdays.  Upon Initial phone introduction we will schedule at the earliest convenience that suites the animals presenting condition and our schedules.  

What if my pet is hard to handle (size/aggressive/trust issues); can you still work with him/her?  YES, Change your Range handles animals of all sizes and caliber.  Aggressive dogs are handled carefully, with owner participation, to keep the dog comfortable and calm and to keep staff and participating parties safe.  **We do ask that if the dog has any history of people or animal aggression that you please let us know during the initial phone introduction.  

How soon after surgery can my pet begin therapy?  Some therapies should begin right away however the appropriate rest time is important; allowing the tissues to heal before beginning a therapy/strengthening regimen.  A veterinarians approval is always advised before starting a therapy program with Change your Range.  If surgery has been conducted then waiting until the stitches/sutures are removed and with the veterinarians/surgeons approval; sometimes arrangements will be made to start therapy right away post surgery and this will be determined between your veterinarian/therapist team.  Some surgeries require a post-surgical rest period.  Post surgical recovery time may vary from 2-6 weeks and should be discussed with you during the post-op/discharge instructions.     

Is there anyone that is not a candidate?  In some instances we do not recommend therapy or we may discontinue therapy.  However, special considerations should be given to the following conditions:  Congestive heart failure, Enlarged heart, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Bleeding (internal or external) and Asthma.  Please notify us of any conditions your pet may have and together, under veterinary supervision, we can approach the concerning issue(s). 

We appreciate your interest in our services.  These concepts are not new, they have been revised and worded for your best understanding, should you have a question or need further explanation about anything mentioned above Change your Range welcomes your email or phone request. 

Remember, our goal is to help your companion reach his/her full potential the quickest/most efficient way possible and maintain it...with the least out-of-pocket expense!