Canine Massage
Canine Massage is an holistic, hands-on therapy that involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms, and stress.
‘Holistic’ means that the whole body is treated rather than just the injured spot. Often there is referred pain from the primary area of injury to another part of the body – the secondary area.
The effects of massage are not just on the muscular system, but on all the systems of the body, so a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential to ensure that no harm is done and that your dog benefits in every way from their treatment.
Holistic Treatment
‘Holistic’ means that the whole body is treated rather than just the injured spot. Often there is referred pain from the primary area of injury to another part of the body – the secondary area.
Remedial massage
Remedial massage for dogs works by releasing tight, sore muscles, removing debilitating ‘Knots’ or Trigger Points that cause referred pain. Massage helps to rehabilitate injuries by breaking down restrictive scar tissue caused by daily activities that may be responsible for your dog’s discomfort.
Effects of Massage
The effects of massage are not just on the muscular system, but on all the systems of the body, so a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential to ensure that no harm is done and that your dog benefits in every way from their treatment. (See Benefits of Massage)
Helen's Training
Helen is trained in 4 disciplines of massage – Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release. Therapeutic Canine massage uses a blend of these techniques to give a massage individual to each dog.
What are the Benefits of Massage?
Massage Therapy improves the functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, digestive, nervous systems and skin and may improve the rate at which the body recovers after injury and illness.
When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscles, causing soreness, stiffness and muscle spasms.
Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist with the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease.
The Results
The results you should see, depending on the presenting problem, are:
- Freer movement
- Better posture
- Reduced stiffness
- Increased range of movement in joints
- Improved sporting performance
- Relief from pain and stress
- Improved appetite
- Improved skin and coat
- Able to get in and out of car
- Enjoys walks again
- Got their zest for life back
- Relief from chronic ongoing orthopaedic and neurological conditions – it can’t cure them, but by easing the tension in over compensating muscles, it can offer temporary relief.
Overall, massage therapy promotes health and wellness. This is not an exhaustive list – dogs will react in different ways and often there are some added extra benefits from those you initially expect!