Massage covers
a vast number of soft tissue techniques employed to address issues of
the canine musculo-skeletal system (muscles/soft tissues that support
the skeleton). It is therefore a two way therapeutic communication
between the practitioner and the patient. It uses superficial (surface)
and deep techniques to provide information on the soft tissues being worked.
Several factors are taken into consideration when dealing with each
client e.g. Breed, size, weight, work role, co-operation of client
and commitment of owner/ trainer.
The massage movements follow the lay of hair and also follow direction
of muscle fibre. The application of massage allows the
body to improve the efficiency of its functions thus allowing for healing
from the inside out. Massage has been proven to reduce swelling, decrease
muscle spasm, tension and excessive scar tissue. Massage also increases
muscle tone and mobility, while relaxing and rejuvenating the nervous
system. Massage allows for the decrease of energy expenditure while improving
the ease with which the body moves. Naturally this allows for happy, healthy
athletes who will perform to the best of their ability for a long time.
Once various massage techniques have been used to warm/ soften
and work the tissues, stretches are applied to the groups of muscles
to lengthen the soft tissues. The soft tissues include - fascia, ligaments,
tendons and muscles. Furthermore, regular massage therapy
allows for the early detection of soft tissue abnormalities. This minimizes
layoff or rehabilitation time in the event of injury. Massage helps in the healing process
often shortening the time required for soft tissue injury rehabilitation.
Massage will make a significant improvement in the quality of healing
seen after these common injuries or surgeries: strain, sprain or torn
muscles, tendons or ligaments, post op hip replacement, chronic lameness
and post trauma. For broken limbs massage therapy provides valuable supportive
therapy for the physical compensation that will occur as a result of the
fracture.
A warm up/ cool down programme if required can be arranged to meet
each dogs personal needs and requirements. At the end of each session
an appropriate aftercare programme will be discussed to aid the continual
promotion of your dogs well being.
Please note that massage is not a replacement for veterinary care
and doesn’t attempt to cure. Veterinary approval is required before massage
commencement.
Massage therapy
is beneficial for seniors as it improves blood circulation increasing body
temperature, improving muscle tone and flexibility. Clients feel rejuvenated
and more energetic after their massage therapy session.
Therapeutic
massage is very effective in relieving;
Sore, stiff muscles
Torn or stretched muscles
Tendon or ligament weakness
Joint stiffness or weakness
Unexplained lameness
Training or behavioural difficulties
Health promotion and injury prevention
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Massage is good for all breeds of dog and cross-breeds, whether they
are working dogs or family pets.
What exactly is Canine Massage Therapy?
Canine Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on
deep tissue techniques to the voluntary muscle system - for the purpose
of increasing circulation, reducing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing
muscle tone, promoting healing and increasing range of motion in all breeds
of dogs. The main purpose of massage and stretching is to maintain and improve
mobility, increase the blood circulation and have a relaxed and happy dog.
How can massage benefit my dog?
Massage Therapy is beneficial to all dogs including those associated
with Agility, Obedience, Showing, Working, Flyball, Heelwork to music,
Sledding, and of course the much loved family pet.
Massage can do wonders for dogs that are recovering from surgery
or injury. Massage and stretching exercises aids faster recovery to normal.
Massage promotes the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients
to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.
Massage stimulates circulation by defrosting frozen muscles, thereby
releasing endorphins - the body's natural pain killers.
Massage can help in pain management for dogs suffering with Hip dysplasia,
cruciate ligament and other common problems by helping to reduce inflammation
and swelling in the joints and easing tension throughout both the areas
affected and the areas under stress from that compensating.
Massage will both help to prevent injuries and improve performance
in all types of working/performance dogs, helping to bring your dog to
its full athletic potential .
Massage relaxes and stretches muscles, enhancing muscle tone, allowing
show dogs of all breeds to reach their maximum range of motion around
the ring. Maintains skin elasticity and conditions the coat.
Massage maintenance treatment helps your canine athlete maintain
its optimal performance level. Post-event massage removes the lactic
acid build-up and reduces post-event seize ups.
Massage is brilliant for dogs in their “golden years”. While it cannot
claim to heal conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism it is however
highly effective in reducing the resulting pain and muscle tension and
is said to slow down the degenerative process.
Massage is extremely helpful in increasing muscle tone, circulation
and flexibility in dogs with reduced activity or mobility levels.
Massage helps rescue dogs settle in their homes and renews their
trust.
