18/04/2026
So important!
🟢 Coat Changes in Your Dog & Myofascial Pain ✨
A subtle sign of discomfort that is often overlooked…
Here’s an older post, but one that is always worth revisiting—because understanding fascia and myofascial pain can make a huge difference to your dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
🟢 Have You Noticed Changes in Your Dog’s Coat?
Does your dog have an area where the coat flicks up, swirls, stands differently, or doesn’t lie flat as it normally would?
This can sometimes be an indication of localised myofascial pain.
These coat changes are often linked to dysfunction within the fascia beneath the skin and can be one of the earliest visible signs that your dog may be experiencing discomfort.
🟢 What is Myofascia?
Myofascia is the vast network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every muscle, joint, bone, and organ within the body.
It provides support, stability, movement, and communication throughout the body.
Fascia is not simply “packaging” around muscles—it plays a vital role in:
✔ Proprioception – the body’s awareness of position and movement
✔ Nociception – the sensing and processing of pain
✔ Force transmission
✔ Postural support
✔ Movement efficiency
Fascia is one of the most fascinating and clinically important systems in the body—and I could talk about it all day!
🟢 What is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain originates within muscles and the surrounding fascial tissues.
It is extremely common in dogs with:
• Arthritis
• Orthopaedic conditions
• Post-surgical compensation
• Injury or trauma
• Sporting/working dog overuse
• Gait abnormalities
• Chronic compensatory patterns
It often develops when the body begins compensating for dysfunction elsewhere.
Alongside myofascial pain, we commonly find trigger points—tight, hyperirritable areas within muscle tissue.
These may present as:
• Skin twitching
• Flinching
• Juddering
• Sensitivity to light touch
• Reduced range of motion
• Changes in posture or gait
🟢 Why Do Coat Changes Occur?
These coat patterns often reflect the shape and tension of the dysfunctional tissue underneath.
When fascia becomes restricted, painful, adhered, or under abnormal tension, it affects the tissues above including the coat.
You may notice:
• Swirls
• Waves
• Raised hair
• Flicks
• Curled coat patterns
• Flattened areas
• Texture changes
• Coat discolouration
These are not always cosmetic—they can be clinical clues.
🟢 How Can I Help?
As a Canine Musculoskeletal Therapist, I use a range of advanced Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques, including:
✔ Direct Myofascial Release
✔ Indirect Myofascial Release
✔ Myofascial Cupping
✔ Trigger Point Therapy
✔ Clinical Massage Techniques
These techniques help restore:
✨ Tissue glide and fascial mobility
✨ Reduced restriction and tension
✨ Improved movement and function
✨ Better compensation patterns
✨ Reduced chronic pain
The goal is always improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life for your dog.
🟢 Fascinated by Fascia?
Because I certainly am.
Understanding:
✔ Fascia
✔ Myofascial pain
✔ Canine myofascial lines
✔ Compensation patterns
✔ Trigger points
…can completely change how we approach canine musculoskeletal health.
🤔 Would You Like to Learn More?
Would you like to know more about:
✨ Fascia
✨ Myofascial Pain
✨ Canine Myofascial Lines
✨ How my techniques can help your dog
‼️ If so, simply comment below or send me a message.
I’d love to talk fascia with you.
