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It's all about the dog!
MyDOG Myotherapy
Benefits
Soft tissue manipulation is an effective way to:
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- target musculoskeletal alterations
- reduce chronic pain
- aid post-surgery recovery
- assist secondary compensatory issues caused through different pathologies
- age related changes
- postural changes
- providing warm-up/cool-down for sporting dogs
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Circulation increases, removing toxins and introducing new oxygenated blood around the body. Massage alters alignment of muscle fibres to improve muscle function. The endocrine system is also influenced. ‘Feel good’ relaxing hormones are release while stress hormones reduce. Fascial tissue (sticky connective tissue that supports body and provides tensile forces to produce movement) is SO important yet commonly compromised in many of us and animals. Superficial fascial tissue (just under the dogs coat) can become restricted, dehydrated and reduces mobility....akin to squeezing into clothing several sizes too small then moving. Full range of motion will be reduced. Rehydrating fascial tissue helps to reverse restrictions and is by specialised massage techniques.
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I teach you two massage techniques so you can be involved with their treatment progress.
Postural adaptations happen due to many reasons and affect dogs in different ways and severity. Common causes include overuse/repetitive strain, injury, post operative and pathologies. Adaptations often interfere with daily mobility and cause chronic pain (pain lasting >12 weeks). Reduced mobility can be as simple as no longer able to go upstairs or on the sofa, reduced play or frequently stopping on walks.
11 year old Staffie X
Suspected vertebral injury in Bella's neck during puppyhood resulted developing changes over the years. So slowly, they were not noticeable until her mobility reduced. The lines on the photo represent bone alighments, except the green lines show correct alignment and red show the altered skeletal postural changes. This will certainly cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.
6 year old Border Collie X
Her owner noticed the paw prints in the sand looked unusual and off track. She had also stopped jumping up to greet her owner upon returning. Veterinary assessment found nothing wrong as to why the paw prints were misaligned. Muscular imbalances between her left and right side caused her pelvis to twist out of alignment with weakness in the pelvic muscles. Note the ridge of coat standing upright over her pelvis. Coat disturbance is very telling of what’s going on underneath. Strengthening exercises addressed the weaknesses while massage addressed tension. She returned to her old ways within several weeks of treatment.
