The Benefits of Canine Massage
How do I know if my dog would benefit from a massage?
You might not know that your dog is in pain as they will continue to try and do the things that you ask them, like going for a walk, or things they enjoy doing like chasing a ball, or that they need to do like eating and toileting. Which makes it hard for us to work out what is wrong, if you notice anything on the list below, then please get in touch.
Symptoms of pain may manifest as:
Limping, unable to fully weight bear on one or more legs
Stiffness
Having difficulty completing activities of daily living e.g. toileting, climbing stairs, jumping in/out of the car
Character changes, grumpy, hiding away,
Appearing to age overnight
Twitching down the back, or quivering skin
Problems getting up or lying down
Reluctant to go for walks, or trailing behind
No longer happy to be groomed, or touched
Performance issue, e.g. knocking poles, or nipping at the sheep more!
Suffers from arthritis or hip dysplasia
This list is by no means exhaustive, and you might want to download the 5 Principles of Pain to guide you further.
What are the benefits & results of Canine Massage?
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 combination of techniques means that:
Painful trigger points are resolved
Scar tissue and adhesions are broken down
New muscle fibre growth is encouraged
Blood circulation is improved
Faster removal of toxins
Immune system responses are improved
Reduction inflammation and pain
Muscles relax and reduced tension
Promoting the bodies natural healing processes
Improved recovery times after training or injury
Clinical canine massage therapy is suitable for both the young, active and fit dog as well as the older, less mobile dog. As well as supporting with muscular and orthopaedic issues, massage is great for preventing injury too so if your dog is an athlete and leads an active working life doing agility, Flyball, Canicross etc. then canine massage can help to keep your dog injury-free.
But what does this mean for you dog?
Results you can see & your dog can feel!
Depending on the presenting issue, the results you should see from massage are:
Resolves or improves lameness
Reduced stiffness
Increased range of movement in joints meaning freer movement and posture
Improved Agility, Obedience and Flyball performance
Natural, non-invasive, relief from pain and stress
Improved appetite
Improved skin and coat
Able to perform activities of daily living again, climbing stairs, jumping in and out of the car
Enjoys walks again
Got their zest for life back
Relief from chronic ongoing orthopaedic and neurological conditions
