Our canine companions have 319 bones in their body (depending on the length of their tail) and around 700 muscles that give them their wonderful distinct shapes and that are responsible for their movement. However, with all of these moving parts, there is the inevitable risk of medical injury/condition.
Canine Merishia Massage is a soft tissue manual therapy, that helps to provide physical and emotional pain relief for your dog, enhancing freedom of movement, improved mobility and overall general well-being.
Utilising a combination of Swedish, sports, deep tissue, fascia release techniques, gentle stretches and detailed mobilisations, this top to toe therapy, aids in the release of both superficial/deep tensions and restrictions, as well as targeting further compensatory issues that can develop in the muscles and soft tissue structures e.g. trigger points, spasms and scar tissue.
What is a compensatory issue?
If you have ever experienced a leg injury, you may have found yourself shifting weight onto the other leg. Similarly, dogs alter their posture, off loading to opposing joints and muscles, to maintain mobility and avoid pain. These compensatory adaptations can be subtle, creating tension patterns throughout the body and if they continue, they can lead to further muscular issues and referred pain in other sites, which can often exacerbate the initial injury and slow down the healing process.
By addressing these compensatory issues, canine massage helps to bring balance and harmony back to your dog.
Below you will find a list of some of the conditions that may cause pain, tensions, restrictions and/or compensatory issues:
- Muscle strain/Ligament sprain
- Lameness
- Post-surgery
- Chronic orthopaedic conditions e.g. Arthritis, Dysplasia
- Disabilities e.g. Amputees
- Senior Dogs
- Overweight
To the untrained eye, a dog may appear to be happy and healthy, however a Canine Massage Practitioner is specifically trained to interpret the subtle none verbal communication from your pet, through the movement of their muscles, appearance and associated behaviours, locating problems that would otherwise be overlooked. They are also able to foresee potential issues that may arise due to the dog’s current condition, or that may be predetermined by their lifestyle and activities.