Massage is an ancient healing art involving the systematic and therapeutic manipulation of soft tissues of the body ~ purposeful touch that influences body, mind and spirit.
Massage helps in the healing process and while it does not cure specific problems, it will allow the body to improve the efficiency of its functions allowing healing to occur from the inside out. There are many benefits associated with Massage:
Debra is a Registered Practitioner and Reiki Master/Teacher, with both the International Association of Reiki Professionals and the Canadian Reiki Association. This is the highest level of Reiki training that you can achieve. She is also a Certified Canine and Equine Massage Therapist with additional training in CranioSacral Techniques, MyoFascial Release, Trigger Point Release and Small Animal/Equine Acupressure. Debra is unique in her field and has specialized in working with animals since 1979.
During the initial consultation, you will be asked to complete a detailed health questionnaire. Gait and movement will then be evaluated from the front, side and back and assessed for imbalances and irregularities. The goals of the massage will then be discussed and a customized massage session will commence. This will include various massage techniques, together with both passive and active stretching.
Sports Massage
Like human athletes, Canine and Equine athletes can benefit from pre-event and post-event massage. The benefits are primarily that of a physical nature. Sports massage performed prior to competition will elicit warm muscles and joints that are less likely to become injured and will be able to perform at an optimum level. Massage performed after competition will release performance tension, clear tissues of waste products and relieve soreness and muscle aches. Canine and Equine athletes will also benefit from ongoing maintenance massages.
Rehabilitation
Working closely with your Veterinarian, post-injury and post-surgery massage will assist in the healing process and shorten the time required for soft tissue injury rehabilitation. Massage can make a significant improvement in the healing of strains, sprains, torn muscles, tendons or ligaments, post operative hip replacement, chronic lameness and trauma. When there have been broken limbs, massage will assist with rebalancing the physical compensation that will occur as a result of a fracture. In addition, after surgery, massage can help ease the waking-up process and assist with releasing the anesthetic.
Palliative & Geriatric Care
Massage is extemely beneficial for senior animals. Arthritis, muscle atrophy, decreased nerve action, diminished mental function, circulatory problems and other aging issues can all be helped with massage. In addition, our animal clients will feel more energetic and even rejuvenated after their massage. The increase in blood circulation will help to improve the condition of a senior’s coat and skin and the increase in body temperature will warm muscles and allow for easier movement.
Relaxation & Stress Reduction
Massage can play a major role in the reduction of stress and tension for animals, just as it does for humans. A relaxing massage will provide a sense of calm and emotional balancing for animals that are under stress. It can be highly effective in increasing the level of trust between humans and animals that have been abused or neglected. Both dogs and horses that have behavioral and/or training challenges will also benefit from massage as the emotional calming will produce a state of mind that is more conducive to learning and can make training much more enjoyable and less stressful.
Puppies
We all know that puppies enjoy being touched, but what we may not think about is that the physical effects of muscle relaxation and increased flexibility can be very important for young animals, especially for the larger breed puppies. The different rate of growth of muscles and bones can often produce pain and lameness in young pups. Massage will allow the stretched muscle to relax and the release of endorphins will help reduce the aches and pains of growing. In addition, young animals will also benefit from the emotional, behavioral and social aspects of massage.
Massage is not a replacement for Veterinary care. Any injured animal should first be assessed by a Veterinarian prior to massage. We will work closely with your Veterinarian for optimal healing.