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Our animal companions, that we LOVE so much, depend on us to give them what they need to live a happy, balanced life full of vitality and fun.
Massage therapy should be considered as part of a healthy lifestyle for your pet in combination with qualified veterinary care.
There are many benefits of massage for your animal companion. Below is just a short list of the multiple benefits of therapeutic massage.
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- Improves blood circulation
- Relieves muscular tension and stiffness
- Relaxes muscles and loosens muscle knots and spasms
- Reduces pain and can temporarily block pain
- Increases range of motion
- Facilitates the flow of nutrients in their system
- Increases flexibility and joint mobility
- Improves digestion
- Promotes rapid removal of waste and toxins
- Speeds recovery after injury or surgery
- Alleviates issues related to arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Promotes relaxation and calmness
- Decreases stress, physical and psychological
- It feels so good and makes your pet HAPPY
PLEASE NOTE:
Animal massage therapy is not a substitute for regular veterinary care, nor is it a cure for disease or illness. It is, however, a wonderful, complementary form of health care for your pets.
If your animal companion has any symptoms of injury or disease, please consult with your veterinarian before starting any massage program.
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Why should my pet have a massage?
Because you want them to be in their best possible shape, which they can achieve through the benefits mentioned above. You love your pet and if you can help them feel better and contribute to their overall well-being, then there is your reason. We would say that might possibly be your main reason, however, there are so many other reasons your animal companions should have a therapeutic massage.
Massage therapy and acupressure are a great way to maintain a level of physical action and movement within their body, such as exercise, to help keep them fit and agile thereby giving aid to increasing their lifespan.
There is valid potential for the possibility of early detection of problems such as lumps, cysts and areas of pain to be found which will allow for early intervention. Through touch and observation by the massage therapist we can then bring these observations to the attention of the parent in the event they are unaware of such symptoms.
Massage therapy provides a caring and comforting touch which enhances emotional well-being and reassurance of human love. The bonding of touch between human and animal also aids with social interaction.
Some parents may just want their animal friend to be pampered. Why not indulge them for an hour by giving them a wonderful, relaxing massage? It’s another way to give your pet a special treat to let them know they are adored.
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Additional indications your pet can benefit from massage therapy:
- Senior pets (lack of exercise, atrophy, arthritis, stiffness)
- Competitive dogs
- Athletic dogs
- Post-surgical (exercise or movement restrictions)
- Long durations of cage restriction
- Intestinal issues (constipation)
- Boredom (couch potato pets)
Reasons why my pet should NOT have a massage?
There are times when massage therapy is not appropriate. These times would include when your pet is experiencing some form of trauma, has a severe disease or infection or has acute pain or inflammation.
If your pet has a serious medical condition you should consult with your veterinarian before massage therapy is performed.
Regarding cancer: The circulation of lymph – from massage or other movement – does not cause cancer to spread. Researchers have shown that cancer develops and spreads because of changes to a cell’s DNA (genetic mutations) and other processes in the body. (Excerpt from the following link)
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/17958/b1000/massage-and-cancer-42/massage-and-cancer-benefits-of-touch
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Massage therapy effects all the systems of the body which include:
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- Muscles and Tendons
- Bones
- Skin and Fur
- Nervous System
- Lymphatic System
- Cardiovascular System
- Respiratory System
- Digestive System and Urinary Tract
- Mental and Psychological Health
Massage therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on method of soft tissue manipulation in conjunction with deep muscle toning or loosening.
There are many different techniques used in massage therapy with varying degrees of touch and pressure. Most therapy sessions involve using more than one kind of technique depending on the size, type and condition of the animal.
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Acupressure:
Acupressure is not used by all massage therapists. Massage therapists who also apply the usage of acupressure do not always use it on all animals.
Acupressure is a practice in which pressure is applied to points on the body aligned along 12 main meridians or pathways, for a short duration, to improve the flow of vital energy force. It is similar to acupuncture, but pressure is used instead of needles. Acupressure originated in China thousands of years ago. The acupressure point is an area where when pressed upon it breaks down or separates tissue which is blocking the flow of blood and triggers the release of more blood cells in that area. It relieves various symptoms or conditions at a single point. When worked on a series of points acupressure then promotes overall well-being.
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PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE A MORE THOROUGH (medical) EXPLANATION OF HOW MASSAGE THERAPY WORKS WITH THE BODY AND WHY MASSAGE THERAPY CAN BE SO BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR ANIMAL’S HEALTH.