It's all about the dog!
MyDOG Myotherapy
Based in Uckfield, covering East Sussex and West Kent
Natural Pain Management ​
Biomechanics​
Improving Mobility
Benefits
Canine massage is not an activity for pampered dogs. Far from it in fact. This therapy has been around and used for thousands of years for a reason. Manipulation of soft tissue is an effective way at altering body systems to be beneficial at dealing with chronic pain, aiding recovery post-surgery, assisting many different pathologies, age related changes, postural changes and providing warm-up/cool-down for sporting dogs.
Circulation is increased, removing toxins and introducing new oxygenated blood around the body and target areas. Soft tissue is manipulated using a variety of techniques resulting in realignment of muscle fibres and improvement in muscle function. The endocrine system is influenced too, ‘feel good’ relaxing hormones release while reducing stress hormones.
Fascial tissue is heavily influenced through manipulation. I would need an extra website to fully explain Fascia but, in a nutshell, it is a sticky connective tissue, highly innervated with nerves which envelopes every part of our body (blood vessels, nerves, bones, organs, muscle fibres). It is a supportive system responsible for movement. Fascial tissue is often compromised in so many humans and dogs. So much so, just manipulating this tissue can drastically change many a dogs posture and improve mobility. SO OFTEN the superficial fascial tissue just under their coat gets restricted, dehydrated and reduces mobility. Imagine squeezing into a jumper several sizes too small then moving your arms. Your full range of motion will be reduced. Rehydrating fascial tissue helps to reverse restrictions.
I teach you how to conduct two types of massage techniques – effleurage and myofascial (myo: muscle) release to conduct between sessions to gain maximum benefit for your dog.
Posture can change for many reasons and affect dogs in different ways with varying severity. Common causes include overuse/repetitive strain, injury, post operative and pathologies. Adaptations in animals only becomes a concern when it causes chronic discomfort and interferes with daily activity. These activities could be as simple as no longer being able to go upstairs or jump on the sofa to no longer participating in agility.
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.
