Therapy
Which Dogs Can Benefit?
There are many dogs that can benefit from massage. These include, but are not limited to:
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Dogs with mobility issues
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Dogs with diagnosed arthritis
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Dogs with repetitive strain injuries, commonly caused by too much ball throwing or environmental factors
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Dogs with suspected compensatory issues from pain elsewhere in the body
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Dogs with behaviour issues – dogs can behave out of character due to pain
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Dogs with on-going lameness that can be intermittent or difficult to pinpoint
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Dogs who are anxious or nervous – massage can help to build trust and calm down a worried dog
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Dogs who take part in sporting events or are working dogs
Diagnosed Conditions
There are many diagnosed conditions that can benefit from massage. The most common conditions include:
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Osteoarthritis
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Hip Dysplasia
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Osteochondritis Disseances
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Subluxing Patella
Massage is able to aid in these conditions by relieving pain and tension in the effected and compensatory muscles. It can help in bringing fresh blood to the area, which aids in healing, as wells as breaking down any scar tissue that may occure in these conditions. Psychologically, the release of muscle tension will make your dog feel less stressed and more relaxed.
Sporting and Working Dogs
All sporting and working dogs, regardless of their discipline, will be using repetitive movements which causes stresses and strains on the joints, muscles, and supporting systems. Massage can help to relieve these tensions, maintaining good muscle health and mobility.
Alongside maintenance massage treatments, pre event and post event massages to warm up and cool down your dogs in an appropriate way to aid in the prevention of muscles strains and injuries.
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Pre event (warm up) massages are also useful to help to stimulate and warm up the tissues and muscles, increasing circulation and oxygen. It can also help the dog to become more focused on the task in hand.
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Post event (cool down) massages, it helps the body to get rid of toxins built up during exercise. This helps the muscles to become replenished and realign, which aids with recovery.
As with regular massage treatments, pre and post event massages require vet consent to be carried out by a qualified myotherapist. Owners/handlers are able to apply pre and post event massages under guidance of a qualified myotherapist. Please feel free to get in touch if you feel you, or your sporting club would benefit from pre and post event massages.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Massage is beneficial pre surgery, post surgery during the recovery stage, and also after injury.
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Pre surgery, massage is able to help relieve muscles tension and break down any previous scar tissues and adhesions, leaving the muscles in optimal condition before the surgery, allowing the body to start the recovery process more freely after surgery.
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Post surgery, massage is beneficial during the recovery phase. This enables any scar tissue or adhesions to be lessened, as well as releasing any compensatory muscle tension and discomfort. By relieving these muscles and breaking down scar tissues, it is rebalancing the muscles, enabling for better movement and flexibility.
Maintenance
A course of myotherapy usually consists of an initial consultation and treatment, followed by 2 further treatments, approximately 10-14 days apart. After the third treatment, you should see a noticeable difference in your dog's condition, and any subsequent treatments should not need to be made as close together. If you feel your dog requires or would benefit from maintenance treatments, this can be discussed and scheduled at a pace that is suitable for your dog's needs.
Still Unsure?
If you've got to the end of this page and you're still unsure as to whether myotherapy would benefit your dog then please do not hesitate to get in touch.