Canine Massage
Canine massage is a hands on therapy using targeted techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility and support overall well being in dogs. It can help manage pain, rehabilitate injuries and address issues such as stiffness, soreness or reduced activity levels. Whether your dog is aging, recovering from an injury, suffers from chronic arthritis symptoms, competing in sports or simply showing signs of discomfort, massage offers a gentle, non invasive way to enhance their quality of life – both physically and emotionally. Massage is incorporated into all rehabilitation treatments at The Complete Canine (physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and laser treatment), however it is a wonderful stand alone treatment and goes a long way to body maintenance and injury prevention—helping your dog feel and perform at their best.
Is your dog showing signs of musculoskeletal discomfort?
Look out for:
- Stiffness, soreness, or lameness
- Difficulty with stairs or getting in/out of the car
- Mobility issues or posture changes
- Depression, loss of ‘sparkle’, or unwillingness to go for walks
- Uneven nail wear, skin twitching, or changes in coat quality
- Back, neck, or hip problems
- Reduced agility performance (e.g., pole knocking)
- Struggles with daily activities or early-onset aging
- Pain related to arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, or luxating patella
- Recovery from muscular injuries or surgery
- Gait and posture issues in sporting or show dogs
Manual techniques:
- Effleurage – soothing strokes to warm up muscles
- Petrissage – kneading to release tension and boost circulation
- Friction – deep, circular motions to relieve trigger points
- Tapotement – light tapping to stimulate nerves
- Passive Range of Motion – gentle joint movement for mobility
- Acupressure - targeting pressure points to relieve pain and promote circulation
- Joint mobilisation - improving joint function and synovial production and distribution
- Myofascial release - improving the function and restoring movement in the fascia
- Stretching - final step of the massage to improve flexibility, range of motion and proprioception.
Benefits of massage:
- Reduced pain, stiffness, and lameness
- Better posture and mobility
- Improved mood, coat condition, and willingness to be handled
- Enhanced athletic performance and faster post-op recovery
- Enhancing circulation and flushing toxins
- Lowering blood pressure and relaxing muscle spasms
- Easing nerve irritation and improving immune response
- Reducing water retention and triggering feel-good endorphins
The Complete Canine, Unit A, Bushment Business Park, Umberleigh, EX37 9DX
Tel: 07753988774 Email: info@thecompletecanine.co.uk
