Manual Therapies

Massage & Myofascial Release

Brief History -

The use of massage on animals dates back to ancient civilizations such as China, Egypt, and Greece. At that time, it was not only applied to humans but also to animals, especially horses, which were vital for transportation and warfare. Keeping these animals healthy and injury-free was crucial.

In the 20th century, massage gained popularity in veterinary care, particularly for performance animals like horses. It became a valuable tool for injury recovery and enhancing performance. Today, it’s also widely used for dogs, especially to address musculoskeletal issues or assist with recovery after surgery.

In every session we will use manual massage ranging in techniques, including effleurage, petrissage, and myofascial release techniques, tailored to your animal’s needs. In some cases, basic massage techniques will be taught to you as part of a home care plan, helping you support your pet's rehabilitation journey.

Benefits of massage include:

Pain Relief: Reduces muscle tension and alleviates discomfort from injury, inflammation, or chronic conditions.
Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow to tissues, promoting healing and nutrient delivery to muscles and joints.
Muscle Relaxation: Relieves spasms and tightness, helping muscles to relax and recover more efficiently.
Increased Flexibility: Helps improve joint mobility and muscle flexibility, supporting better movement and posture.
Stress Reduction: Promotes mental relaxation, reducing anxiety and improving overall emotional well-being.
Faster Recovery: Accelerates the healing process by stimulating the body's natural repair mechanisms.
Lymphatic Drainage: Assists in the removal of toxins and excess fluids, aiding in recovery and reducing swelling.

While massage can provide immediate relief by reducing muscle tension and pain, sustained improvements typically require multiple sessions to achieve lasting therapeutic effects.

Stretching is an important component of veterinary physiotherapy used to maintain or improve flexibility, enhance joint mobility, and support muscle health in animals, particularly in those recovering from injury, surgery, or with chronic conditions like arthritis. It involves gently elongating muscles and soft tissues to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.

Benefits of Stretching in Veterinary Physiotherapy:

Improves Flexibility: Helps maintain normal movement and prevents loss of range in joints and muscles.
Enhances Circulation: Promotes blood flow, which aids in healing and reduces inflammation.
Reduces Muscle Tightness: Alleviates tension and discomfort, improving overall comfort and movement.
Prevents Injury: Keeps muscles and joints supple, reducing the risk of strains and sprains.
Supports Recovery: Essential in rehabilitation programs for post-surgical or neurologic patients.

Animal muscles should always be properly warmed up before stretching to reduce the risk of injury. Each stretch should be held for approximately 7 seconds to allow the neuromuscular system to respond and begin relaxing the targeted muscle. This duration gives the Golgi Tendon Organs (GTOs)—sensory receptors located in tendons—enough time to activate. Once activated, they trigger a process known as autogenic inhibition, signaling the muscle to relax and allowing for a safer, deeper stretch. Holding the stretch also helps minimize the stretch reflex, which would otherwise cause the muscle to contract and resist elongation.