What are the benefits of Therapeutic Canine massage?
Because Canine massage positively influences all 11 of the systems in your dog’s body it can have a profound effect on your dogs’ general health and wellbeing.
Probably of most importance is its impact on their musculoskeletal, lymphatic and circulatory systems as massage of the body provides direct contact to these systems.
Orthopaedic conditions affect many of our canine companions and whilst massage cannot change these medical conditions it can be of significant support in the management of conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Spondylosis.
Like in humans canine massage not only supports mobility issues but it also has a positive influence on the immune system by helping to flush out toxins and cellular waste.
Canine massage greatly influences the nervous system, especially the autonomic nervous system that can help calm your dog by relieving stress and anxiety.
Massage can promote healthy skin and hair by nourishing the skin and hair follicles through the actual action of massage. It also encourages blood and nutrients to rise to the skin, which encourages a healthy coat.
There are numerous benefits of canine massage including;
Releases adhesions, trigger points and restrictions in the fascia and muscles that cause referred pain and create problems with natural movement
Release of muscle tension providing drug free non-invasive pain relief
Helps in the remodelling of scar tissue and reducing scar tissue adhesions
Influences the autonomic nervous system in terms of both stimulating and energising the body and also calming the body by bringing a sedative effect to mind and body hence promoting relaxation, improving mood and helping anxiety and stress
Keeps muscles healthy thus allowing smoother movement of joints which supports structural integrity, posture and balance
Improves gait by encouraging biomechanical balance
Increasing cardiovascular flow; i.e. bringing nutrients to the muscles, and especially to areas of injury, and removing waste and debris of cellular function
Helping rehabilitation by promoting muscle tone, function and strength
Supports the management of Orthopaedic conditions
Helps stimulate the lymphatic system cleansing the body of waste and toxins thus supporting the immune system and strengthen resistance to disease
Supports joint function and mobility by keeping tendons and ligaments functional and strong allowing and encouraging optimal range of motion hence giving your dog freedom of movement
Increased energy levels
Alleviates age related disorders
Speeds recovery from exercise and injury
Improves performance in agility, obedience and working dogs
Reduce post surgery recovery times
Helps regulate breathing and digestion
Improves the health of the skin and coat encouraging shine and vibrancy and improves elasticity and normalises glandular functions i.e. sebum production that helps the skin’s suppleness and resistance to infection. Also helps regenerate tissue thus assisting with wound healing
What results can I expect to see?
There are many results owners have reported in seeing, however it should be stressed that because every dog is different in age, body type, history and lifestyle reactions to massage may vary. Here are some typical results observed:
Reduced pain and discomfort
Better focus and concentration
Reduction of nervousness
A healthier and shinier looking coat
Reduction or elimination of lameness
Ability to weight bear on all four limbs equally
Improved movement and / or range of movement
Willingness to go on walks and play
Improvement in energy levels
Happier mood
Redevelopment of muscle tone where lost
Happier and more comfortable sleep
Faster recovery from injury or surgery
Ability to go on longer walks
No twitching or sensitivity down the back
Friendlier dog, more loving and willing to be touched
Ability to get in and out of car/ up on the chair or sofa/up and down stairs
Improved speed and performance i.e. in agility or working dogs,
For older dogs – owners can see a decrease in stiffness, easier to get up or lay down, more engaged in life
In overweight dogs owners have seen weight loss
A stronger top line or straightness of their back or spine
To hear about some of the great things Canine Massage has done for my clients , visit my Customer Reviews page.
