Therpeutic Canine Massage Therapy

by Stevi Quick of BEAUTIFUL BALANCE

Therapeutic massage is a study of both structure and movement; and how one affects the other.  In pets structure greatly effects how the animal can move and can be indicative of what injuries they are susceptible to.

As a part of overall health and wellness, diet and fitness are of paramount importance.

That said therapeutic massage helps in the health and well being of dogs in many of the same ways it is beneficial to humans.  It feels good and increases circulation, and the dispersal of both well giving chemicals like cytokines and endorphins as well as helping the body to release toxins.

It also increases flexibility and range of motion of muscles and joints, which relieves pain associated with arthritis and other joint and skeletal abnormalities.  When doing bodywork you can focus on specific areas or muscle groups to disperse pain and allow specific joints better range of motion to enjoy more activities.  This ultimately improves the quality of life and the relationship you have with your pet, which everyone wants for their loved ones.

Studies also show that behaviours can be modified by the use of therapeutic massage.  Because of the release of certain endorphins during the use of certain strokes at certain points along the body, stress and fear can be reduced.  At the other end of the spectrum, sports massage is used to stimulate and pump up animals in performance competitions; again a matter of different stroke at different positions.

Surgery recovery can be sped by increasing circulation, and helping dissipate the effects of anesthesia.

As society moves toward searching for natural ways of increasing longevity, I think they are looking for the same for their companions.

Along with regular veterinary care, eating well in appropriate amounts and increased physical activity needs to be stressed in all of our pets well being.  Why not make that more comfortable and enjoyable for our companions as we do for ourselves. 

Strength training is an important part of canine and equine athletes, but for pets it should be as well, especially those with known musculoskeletal abnormalities.  It only takes a few moments a day and can be used as a training or relationship building session between the pet and owner.  There are specific exercises that are safe for all pets, even with existing conditions of the spine, hips, crutiate ligaments, and patellas, scapula and humerus.

Pet owners should offer this as a gift of comfort and love back to the animals that give them so much (all they are), in the short time they grace us.

Find a certified Canine Massage Therapist in your area by going to the IAAMB (International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork). to give your four legged friend a life that they deserve.

You can also watch Stevi massaging my dog, Big Tuna. Tuna has a one knee surgery, so far, and she has hip dysplasia so Tuna loves and benefits from her therapeutic massages.