FAQ
Canine massage is a branch of massage therapy that promotes health in dogs. Specifically, canine massage therapy is a form of alternative therapy the benefits of which may include relaxation, increased oxygenation, relief from pain, improved joint flexibility, as well as miscellaneous benefits to the immune system.
Equine Massage Therapy uses a variety of massage techniques and strokes to stimulate blood flow to different areas of the equine body. Encouraging blood flow and bringing oxygen and other nutrients, all while removing lactic acid build up(preventing soreness)and eliminating other metabolic waste from the body.
Canine Massage used in direct work on the dog’s soft tissues, can improve blood flow, alleviate stress, reduce pain, relax tight and sore muscles, and help heal sprains and strains! Studies have also shown that Canine Massage can strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and lower blood pressure.
Just like human athletes in training, equine massage therapy is becoming a popular preventative modality used in the management of equine athletes and pleasure horses alike. Equine therapeutic massage, or sports massage, has been reported to increase and improve range of motion as well as stride length, reduce physical and physiologic stress responses. Studies have shown that massage therapy can also improve aspects of exercise recovery. Equine massage therapy already plays a valuable practical role in the care and training of many equine athletes and continues to grow in knowledge and techniques.
Any breed/age of a horse can benefit from Equine Massage!
Young horses, foals on up to young training horses, benefit from the touching and handling/desensitizing as well as the muscular and whole-body system benefits as they grow.
Horses of middle age all the way to senior horses benefit from the preventative aspects such as managing arthritis as it occurs, keeping chronic aches and pains from causing bigger issues, as well as keeping all the other body systems free of waste and working properly!
Any age and breed of canine can benefit!
I find that younger dogs have a tendency to have a shorter attention span for it, while the older dogs will really settle in and enjoy it differently.
The simple answer-no, one isn’t better than the other. They are best when used together. If the muscles are inflamed for long periods of time, the joints are likely to be misaligned. If the joints are misaligned for long periods of time, the muscles are likely to be inflamed. When both are done preventatively, they are typically needed less. Some horses don’t necessarily need both and respond better to one than the other.
Just as I said with horses-same applies to dogs: The simple answer-no, one isn’t better than the other. They are best when used together. If the muscles are inflamed for long periods of time, the joints are likely to be misaligned. If the joints are misaligned for long periods of time, the muscles are likely to be inflamed. When both are done preventatively, they are typically needed less. Some dogs don’t necessarily need both and respond better to one than the other.
Preventative massage used monthly keeps most horses very comfortable. Horses that are ridden daily (workhorses) may benefit from biweekly massage. Horses with chronic issues that cause discomfort also may benefit from biweekly massage.
Preventive massage can be monthly to bimonthly. Massage used for chronic issues may fall into the biweekly to monthly category. It really depends on the dog and its situation.
Equine Massage is NOT a quick fix in most cases. Some horses may need 2-5 massages to really notice a major change. I find owners to notice at least small changes and improvements after one session.
The same as with horses also applies to dogs: Canine Massage is NOT a quick fix in most cases. Some dogs may need 2-5 massages to really notice a major change. I find owners to notice at least small changes and improvements after one session.
Equine kinesiology tape is a physiotherapy treatment and has various applications. Equine professionals use this technique on a daily basis to treat muscle injuries, biomechanical & postural dysfunction, and aid performance & recovery time.
Taping assists the muscles to function without restricting the animal’s natural range of movement. By treating the affected muscles in this way, the body’s own healing process can be activated. Improving muscle function.
This varies depending on the situation, such as the purpose of the taping, living environment, animal’s coat consistency, and coat condition. It can range from days to weeks.
With most applications, yes.
I use According to Gospel Therapy Light Pads and they have a beautiful explanation:
LED light therapy is really a way to help the body heal itself. We use specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by a photo acceptor, cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria of the cell. The energy (photons) from the lights increases the energy within the cell and that speeds up the healing process. The lights must be specific wavelengths and must be delivered at a specific dosage. We use two wavelengths in our light therapy pads, a visible red and a near infrared wavelength. Using both red and near infrared lights is beneficial because the wavelengths are absorbed by different depths of tissue. The combination of the two work in concert to provide benefits for soft tissue injuries, inflammation, ligament soreness, tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain, sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds, cuts, scrapes, arthritis pain and for trigger points and acupuncture points. Visible red light (660nm) is absorbed by skin layers very efficiently and is best for uses such as stimulating trigger and acupuncture points and for treating wounds and infections. Near infrared light (850nm) penetrates to a deeper level and has been used to treat concerns of tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and muscle.
Gu Sha helps break up fascia, the connective tissue that hugs muscles but can sometimes interfere with optimal circulation. It is done with the use of a handheld tool that is used in a light scraping method.
Cupping uses small suction cups that are placed in specific areas to spot treat. The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. For animals, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain.