Frequently Asked Questions

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Canine massage therapy involves the manual manipulation of soft tissues in the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is often used to:

• alleviate pain
• help with recovery from injury/surgery
• promote relaxation
• reduce stress and anxiety
• encourage the removal of toxins
• improve circulation
• support the bodies own healing response

It isn't really. The same techniques are used and it results in the same benefits for the animal that you would see in a human. The only difference really is that a dog isn't going to put up with a too firm touch (as I have done in more than one massage session!). The practitioner must gain the dogs trust early on and be able to read what the animal needs as they can't tell us. Once they trust you, dogs will often reposition themselves to present a particular area for attention.

Acupressure is an ancient practice where muscular tension is released by applying pressure with the fingers or thumbs at specific acupoints or the application of pressure to acupoints is used to balance the flow of the physiological energy. Acupressure therapy stimulates the body's circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems. It helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves sleep and relaxes the muscles and joints.

Light therapy is the exposure of your pets body to light of different wavelengths. It is non invasive and safe. A part of almost all cells in the body called mitochondria, sometimes called the “power generators” of cells, soak up red and near infrared light and make more energy. With more energy, the cells can do their work more efficiently, such as repairing tissue, boosting new cell growth and enhancing cell rejuvenation. Red and near infrared light also has a relaxing effect on animals and helps to reduce pain levels.

This will depend on your dog and what issue(s) they may have. Generally I suggest 1-3 sessions initially. Some owners can see a difference after the very first massage but if you have not seen any visible changes to your dog after 3 sessions, we would need to consider that it may not be a soft tissue/muscular problem.

Yes, having the owner present during the session helps your pet to relax and feel safe.

Some of the common results seen are:

• Resolution or reduction of lameness
• Movement becomes less stiff
• A pain free dog
• Reduced reliance on pain medications
• Their pet gets some of their youthful zest back
• More willing to be touched and groomed
• Coping with stairs better
• Faster recovery from injury or operation
• Enjoying walks again
• Improved sporting performance

Massage therapy can help with the following illnesses/conditions:

• Recovery from injury or from surgery
• Neurological conditions such as invertebral disc disease and paralysis
• Orthopaedic conditions such as elbow/hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, fractures and patellar luxations.
• Soft tissue conditions such as cruciate ligament issues, tendinitis and muscle/ligament sprains
• Conditions related to age such as arthritis, joint/bone disease, and weakness
• Cancer - whilst massage is contraindicated for cancer undergoing treatment and for certain types of cancer, it can be very beneficial for those canine family members in palliative care. 

The initial appointment will likely take 1.5 hours (see the What to Expect tab for more details). Subsequent sessions will usually take around 40 minutes.

I find that dogs are happiest and most relaxed in their own homes. Ideally we need a quiet space where we won't be interrupted. No special equipment is needed, just their bed or the sofa or even the floor with their favourite blanket.

The main side effects of all three complementary therapies that I practice are tiredness and thirst. Most dogs will sleep after a session, a handful may have the opposite reaction and be energised.

On rare occasions the dog may vomit, eliminate (pee/poop) more than usual or differently (loose movements) due to the increased levels of toxins being released from the muscles. This reaction should be short lived and is a good thing as it's getting all the toxins out of the body so it can heal and recover. 

Each dog is unique so I would suggest we have an initial session and see how we do. Even the most nervous of dogs will enjoy massage once they realise they won't get hurt in any way. 

Sometimes dogs who won't tolerate massage will tolerate the more limited touch of acupressure. There are also certain acupoints that can be used to help relax animals.

 The use of red and infrared light on animals has both an analgesic and a relaxing effect. This can be very helpful if the animal is reluctant to be touched due to discomfort or stress.

If this is your situation, please give me a call on 07928096869 so we can discuss further. I'm sure we can come up with a solution so that your pet gets the help they need.

Whilst massage, acupressure and the use of light therapy are all very safe activities, they are complimentary therapies and should be used in conjunction with, and to support, any ongoing veterinary care.  Even for a healthy dog, it is best practice to get the vet to sign off that the animal is fit enough to undergo massage, acupressure and/or light therapy.

I can make suggestions and point out things I think should be investigated by your vet, but as a massage therapist I cannot diagnose your pet. Complimentary therapies should be used in conjunction with, and to support, traditional veterinary care.

Contra-indications for massage and acupressure can be any of the following:

• Skin conditions that could be spread by massage
• Pregnancy - this doesn't prevent massage but you must be very careful with passive stretches as pregnant dogs can develop joint laxity due to the hormone changes. Some acupressure points need to be avoided during pregnancy.
• Cancer - if treatment is ongoing massage and acupressure is contra-indicated anywhere near the site of the cancer, however massage and acupressure can be very useful during palliative care or to relieve the symptoms of chemotherapy if the cancer is localised in one area.
• Epilepsy
• Fever
• Vomiting/Diarrhoea
• Open wounds

Contra-indications for light therapy can be any of the following:

• Pregnancy - treatment of the limbs and neck is fine but you must not direct light therapy toward the foetus
• Cancer - if treatment is ongoing, however as per above, light therapy can be very useful during palliative care
• Epilepsy

On the veterinary permission form there is a tick box for the vet to complete should they want a post massage report. If the vet wants a report I will generally provide one after 3 sessions and then as and when significant change takes place.