Canine Massage

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In humans, the skin is the biggest sense organ full of sensory receptors or nerve endings that register touch, temperature and pain and send information to the brain. In response, the brain sends signals to response to that stimuli, resulting in the release of endorphins, hormones, neurotransmitters and other substances. At a cellular level, these chemicals immediately change the outlook and muscular function of the one who is touched. Canine massage responses and techniques are pretty much the same as for human massage.

Manipulative therapeutic massage for dogs works by releasing tight, sore muscles, removing ‘Knots’ or Trigger Points that can cause referred pain and restoring range of motion. It facilitates injury recovery by breaking down restrictive scar tissue that can be responsible for your dog’s pain and restricted movement. It can also help day to day mobility issues whether acute or chronic. Bringing your dog for therapeutic massage is a must for any dog owner concerned with their dog’s mobility and health. It can help you understand issues your dog may be having and give you ideas on how best you can help them.

As with humans, it is also a form of pain relief addressing soft tissue or muscular issues. It helps alleviate the pain associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia. It is touching and manipulation of muscle tissue with focused intention. It is specific in direction, pressure and focus.

- Swedish Massage -

Encourages general well- being and is beneficial to any dog. It increases circulation and immune response, helps increase muscle and skin tone and aids digestion. 

- Sports Massage -

For canines warms up the muscles prior to an event or exercise. Stretching increases flexibility and helps prevent injury. Following an event, loosens muscles and joints, prevents stiffness and soreness and increases blood flow encouraging removal of wastes.

- Deep Tissue Massage -

Used for specific muscles aches and pains. Focus is on alleviating pain. Deep tissue for canines varies from that in humans in that “deep” massage for canines is much less pressure than we apply to humans. 

-Stretching-

Proper stretching relaxes muscles resulting in increased flexibility and injury prevention; loosens joint capsules and increases range of motion. Stretching reduces muscle pain from chronic tension and reduces post exercise soreness and stiffness. Regular stretching prevents inflammation and reduces scar tissue and trigger point formation.

-Trigger Point Therapy-

Trigger points are caused by immobilized muscles, chronic muscle overload, acute injury, gait compensation, falls, fractures and can occur in any type of muscle tissue, be it human or canine. Trigger point therapy reduces trigger points resulting in reduced pain and increased range of motion and muscle function.

• Canine massage is not a comprehensive diagnostic tool and should not be considered a substitute for the care of a qualified veterinary professional. Always consult your veterinarian before seeking massage therapy for your pet.