Muscle Health: Localised Twitch Response? What is it!?

Before we start look at the video below which provides a lovely example of a localised twitch response (lets refer to it as a LTR now forward) which will hopefully provide a bit more context to the title to those less familiar to the term.

So what is it?

Simply put a LTR are small contractions within the muscle body that often signifies dysfunction within a myofascial trigger point.

Hold on…what’s a myofascial trigger point (MTP)?

MTPs are localised “lumps” within a muscle that result through trauma, muscle fatigue/overload and or, nerve entrapment. These “lumps” alter the nerve function of the muscle and can result in hyperexcitability, delayed recruitment and general impairment of communication between the nerve and muscle (the brain tells the muscle what to do via a network of nerves).

Now pulling on the information above what we are seeing in the video is hyperexcitability of one of those MTPs when pressure is applied to the MTP which in this case results in widespread twitching through the muscle body. In the example video this MTP was located within a horse’s longissimus muscle group, with the MTP specifically located towards the back of the ribcage. I’ve also posted in the comments an example of a LTR in a dog (bit tricker to film as clearly! But worth a look).

Are MTPs painfull?

MTPs are noted as being one of the main causes of pain humans, making it highly likely that their presence results in pain in animals. However, it is important to note that pain is very much on a scale and is dependent on individual pain thresholds, this meaning that some MTPs may be a mild inconvenience to the animal and in others they may provide extreme discomfort.

What to do if you notice LTR in your animal?

Don’t panic! Its highly likely that most animals will have active MTPs within their lifetime and that’s where being aware of what is normal resting muscle function is key to managing your animal’s health. If you notice new or reoccurring LTR in your animal (which are often noticed by owners when grooming and pressure is applied to MTPs) then get in touch with your vet and an appropriately qualified musculoskeletal therapist to arrange treatment. Assessment and treatment of MTPs will provide insight into why they are presenting (acute trauma, chronic injury/disease, posture ect..) and allow for reactive and preventative strategies to be implemented to help manage your animals overall health.

Noticed an odd muscle response in your animal? Feel free to pop a video in the comments and we can try shed some light on what you are seeing.