Manual therapy is just that, hands on canine and feline massage; a holistic therapy that involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms, and stress.
‘Holistic’ means that the whole body is treated rather than just the injured spot. Often there is referred pain from the primary area of injury to another part of the body – the secondary area.
The effects of massage are not just on the muscular system, but on all the systems of the body, so a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential to ensure that no harm is done and that your dog benefits in every way from their treatment.
What are the benefits of massage?
Massage therapy improves the functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, digestive, nervous systems and skin and may improve the rate at which the body recovers after injury and illness. This hands on approach can literally melt away some of the discomfort your companion is feeling my promoting blood and lymphatic flow, releasing areas of tension, taking joints through their ranges of motion and stretching out areas of tension.
Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist with the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease.
The results
The results you should see, depending on the presenting problem, are:
⦁ Freer movement, better posture
⦁ Reduced stiffness
⦁ Increased range of movement in joints
⦁ Improved sporting performance
⦁ Relief from pain and stress
⦁ Enjoys walks again
⦁ Got their zest for life back
⦁ Relief from chronic ongoing orthopaedic and neurological conditions – it can’t cure them, but by easing the tension in over compensating muscles, it can offer temporary relief.
Overall massage, is a non-invasive therapy, that promotes health and wellness with minimal negative side effects.
