What is Canine Massage?

WHAT IS  CANINE SPORTS MASSAGE?

Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body through stroking, rubbing, kneading or tapping. This results in better circulation, improved muscle tone, increased range of motion and relaxation.

Sports Massage, a specialty within the discipline of massage therapy, focuses on the muscles pertinent to particular physical activities. It utilizes classic Swedish Massage as well as techniques developed specifically for their beneficial impact on canine muscular tissue.

HOW CAN CANINE MASSAGE THERAPY HELP?

Have you ever had a stiff neck? Instinctively we know that massage relieves pain & muscle tension. The stiffness is relieved as a result of the increased flow of blood to the affected area that occurs as a result of the rubbing motion. While the improvement in circulation is the predominant benefit, a myriad of positive results are initialized through canine massage.

• Relaxation and stress reduction
• Increased flexibility of soft tissue
• Reduction of edema ( swelling)
• Enhancement of waste & toxin elimination
• Maintenance of good posture and body balance
• Prevention of atrophy (wasting) in inactive muscles
• Improvement in athletic performance
• Loosening and softening scar tissue
• Release of endorphins (naturally occurring steroids in the body which act to assuage pain)
• Enhancement of muscle tone and range of motion
• Advancement of healing through increase flow of nutrients to injured muscles
• Lengthening of connective tissue resulting in reduction of adhesions leading to fibrosis

WHO CAN BENEFIT?

• Dogs slated for orthopedic surgery
• Dogs in  post - surgical rehabilitation
• Dogs suffering from arthritis and various joint disorders /Geriatric dogs
• Puppies or growing adolescents
• Timid, under-socialized or newly adopted dogs
• Dogs with behavioral or anxiety issues
• Working Dogs or Therapy Dogs
• Pregnant dogs
• Show dogs
• Agility/performance dogs

WHEN SHOULD MASSAGE NOT BE ADMINISTERED?

• Massage should never be used when there is evidence of a fever
• Massage should never be used when the dog is in shock
• Massage should never be used in nearly all forms of skin disease, except the thickened condition of the skin left behind by chronic eczema
• Massage should never be used in cases of apoplexy (a rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel in the brain)
• Massage should never be administered to abscesses or tumors 
• Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog is experiencing any health issues, please consult your veterinarian prior to starting any regime

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."
M. Facklam