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Massage - Soft Tissue Mobilization
Massage Therapy is focused on
normalizing soft tissue using gentle, hands-on
techniques. Various massage techniques are used to
increase blood flow, which improves the oxygen supply
and speeds the removal of waste products from soft
tissues. Another benefit is increasing tissue
temperature and elasticity. The end result s are
enhanced muscle tone, accelerated healing and
relaxation.
Massage can decrease pain by eliminating muscle spasms,
decreasing swelling, improving joint range of motion and
stimulating the release of endorphins (the body's
natural painkillers). Massage can also improve the
patient's conscious awareness of his/her body and
promote mental and physical relaxation. Scar massage
mobilizes newly formed scar tissue to prevent adhesions
and promote collagen deposition in a configuration that
allows for freer movement.
Acupressure can be included in a massage and involves
the gentle stimulation of precise points on the body.
It is thought to: release natural cortisone, to reduce
inflammation and swelling; release endorphins to reduce
pain and improve energy; and to balance and optimize the
body's ability to perform.
In sports medicine, massage is used in the warm-up phase
to prepare the muscles and connective tissue for
training, and to accelerate muscle recovery in the
cool-down phase.
Indications: Massage is appropriate for dogs:
recovering from an injury, with arthritis, joint and
neurological problems. It can also be beneficial
for calming dogs with nervous temperaments, aiding the
ability of your athletic dog and increasing your bond
with your pet.
Myofascial Release is stretching of
the fascia. Fascia is a thin tissue that covers all of
the organs of the body including every muscle and every
fiber within each muscle.
When muscle fibers are injured, the fibers and the fascia
surrounding them becomes short and tight. this uneven
stress can be transmitted through the fascia to other parts
of the body.
Myofascial release treats symptoms by releasing the uneven
tightness in the injured tissue. Myofascial release is not
massage. It works with the dog not on the dog. Light stretch
is applied to an area of tightness and then the therapist
waits for the tissue to relax before the stretch is
increased. feedback from the dog's body tells the
therapist how much force to use, the direction of the
stretch and how long to stretch.
Massage can be incorporated into a
therapeutic program before stretching or bracing and before
and/or after exercising.
(The treatment plan will be approved
by the referring veterinarian before it's implementation.)
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