Lovabledogs Newsletter

Benefits in massaging your dogs:                                                                          March19, 2008

 
Massage therapy is healthy for your dogs in a variety of ways:

• Helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog(s)

• Helps lower your dogs blood pressure and give them in a more calmer state

• Give oxygen to their muscles

• Removes and replenishes tissue fluid

• Improves movement in abnormal tissues like scars and adhesions

• Help relieve pain in joints

• just to name a few

 Massage strokes and techniques:
There are several types of massage strokes and techniques available. We will discuss the most commonly used ones for small animals.Contact should always be maintained between the massage therapist's hand and the patient.
 

Stroking
Superficial, relaxed long movement with the tips of fingers or palms of hands
Very light pressure--.5-1 lb
Slow speed, 1 stroke every 3-6 seconds
Along length of muscles, in same direction hair grows
Used for soothing and calming effect

Most common move
Typically used every second move, at beginning and end of massage
Always use this stroke in direction of heart.
Gliding motion with whole hand, with thumb following fingers
Use one or both hands with even pressure over muscles
Stroke every 2-3 seconds
Pressure applied can vary
Light pressure, 2-3 lbs, is soothing
Heavy pressure (10-15 lbs) has significant effect on circulation
Can be done very rapidly to warm up for exercise
 
Foundation of massage
Kneading, muscles squeezing, compression, wringing up, and skin rolling
Soothing at 1 stroke per second
Stimulating at 2-4 strokes per second (athletic warm-up)
Intermittent pressure and relaxation

Kneading
Performed with thumbs or palmar surface of three fingers
Rhythmic, circular movements, small circles
Start at 2-3 lb pressure
In large muscles may gradually increase pressure to 5-12 lbs
Intersperse with effleurage

Compression
Use palm of hand or lightly clenched fist, alternating hands in rhythm
Use only on large muscle groups of large dogs
Use caution with increased pressure
Alternate with effleurage

Muscle squeezing
Relaxes tense muscles
Used on neck, back and leg muscles
Movement of hand is between extended fingers and heel of hand
Start gently with 5-10 lb pressure
Use in slow rhythm, 1 per second
Fast rhythm, 2-4 per second for athletic warm-up

Wringing up
Used on shoulders, neck and back
Increases circulation, relaxes muscles
Performed with palms, thumbs abducted at 90 degree angle
Both hands flat on body part, then wring muscle from side to side
Start at 2 lb pressure, gradually increase depending on muscle mass and size
Slow rhythm of 1 stroke or less per second

Skin rolling
Helpful in maintaining skin elasticity and to prevent adhesions
Lift skin between fingers and thumbs, push thumbs towards fingers
Performed slowly and lightly--no more than 2 lb pressure at most
Best of all, this is something that YOU can do at home to HELP Your Pet Heal!!

Dog Problems.com

Lovabledogs.info copyright: 2008