Canine Clinical Massage

What is Clinical Canine Massage?

Clinical canine massage is a non-invasive therapy used to rehabilitate soft tissue injuries and support orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis in dogs. It involves using a range of techniques including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, remedial sports massage, myofascial release and The Lenton Method®.

It may be used in the young or old, pet, agility or working, and typically gains results in 1-3 treatments.

How does it help?

In order for the body to move, muscles are attached to bone. If there is an injury or joint issue, it will have a direct impact on the attached muscles, as well as neighbouring ones; meaning that posture, gait, and performance is affected. This can lead to areas of overcompensation and protective muscle splinting. Muscles become sore and tight, and painful trigger points (knots) may form. Clinical Massage will ease muscular soreness and pain, and break down debilitating trigger points.

Injuries to muscles or ligaments may result in scar tissue formation. The scar tissue forms as a tough restrictive band of tissue that weakens the tissue and reduces its ability to function correctly. Clinical massage can re-model the scar tissue and help improve healing rates.

In addition to this, Clinical massage can also help address anxiety or pain-based behavioural issues, improve neurological function, and help skin and coat health.

What conditions may be treated by Clinical Massage?

• Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease
• Cruciate ligament injuries
• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Spondylosis
• Post orthopaedic surgery, e.g. TTA, TPLO
• Luxating patella
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Gait and posture irregularities
• Strains and sprains
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Muscular spasms
• Self-mutilation
• Lick granuloma
• Anxiety
• Performance issues, e.g. agility dogs knocking poles
• Injury prevention in athletic and working dogs
• Osteochondrosis Dessicans (OCD)
• Chronic Degenerative Reticulo Myleopathy (CDRM)
• Fibrocartilagenous embolism (FCE)
• Cauda equina syndrome

Muscle and joint pain in dogs is extremely common at any age. The difficulty is that dogs tend to hide their pain well, so it is important to look for subtle signs. This may include:

• lameness
• stiffness
• struggling to get into the car, onto the sofa or bed
• difficulty getting up or down the stairs.

Their behaviour can also be a good indicator:

• Are they grumpier than usual?
• Are they isolating themselves more or seem depressed?
• Are they less playful?
• Are they disinterested in going out or are they slower on their walks?
• Do they lie down to eat?

Any of these signs could mean that your pet is in some discomfort or pain, and could benefit from this unique treatment.

What signs will I see in my dog after treatment?

After treatment owners have commented that their dogs benefit in the following ways:

• Lameness reduced or resolved completely
• Stiffness eased or resolved
• Better pain management
• Better movement, gait and posture
• Generally happier,
• Able to move with more ease
• Able to go on longer walks
• More energetic
• More playful
• Improved temperament
• More sociable
• Glossier coat and healthier skin – due to reduced pain levels, and improved general health and well-being.
• Able to sleep/rest better
• Return to old activities
• Manages going up and down the stairs better
• Able to get into and out of the car better
• Improved performance in working/agility dogs

What is involved in the sessions?

The first session lasts up to 90 minutes, and involves a full consultation, gait and postural analysis, full body palpation, treatment lasting 40-50 minutes, owner feedback and home care advice. Depending on your dog, the treatment will either be conducted on a comfy bed from the floor, or on a massage couch. You will be able to stay with your pet throughout the whole treatment. I will work with your dog, and aim to make this treatment as relaxing as possible so that they can gain the full effects of this treatment.

Subsequent sessions, should they be needed, will typically last 45-60 minutes.

In order to abide by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemption Order 2015, I must obtain consent from your Vet prior to any treatment.

Testimonials

"There has been an ongoing improvement after each session. Grace is noticeably more comfortable, more supple, happier and more alert. She is willing to take on tasks she would not have done a month ago, and doesn’t look so much of an old lady anymore."

"After massage Myrtle moves with more confidence and freedom. She looks happier in herself and now manages the stairs by herself. She is also managing long walks far more easily, with less stiffness afterwards"