The sore limping dog.
From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: shop.veterinarysecrets.com
Greetings fellow pet lover and reader of the Veterinary Secrets Blog..
The sore limping dog.
My neighbor’s dog Pearl is a great, friendly always wanting to play and please Labrador who has TERRIBLE Arthritis.
She’s hard on her body- Playing hard though has damaged her joints.
She tackles my dog Lewis, then all of a sudden will let out a BIG Yelp…She’s One sore dog.
So What to You do Doc??
Anti-inflammatories..They aren’t helping much.
Surgery..It unfortunately won’t treat arthritis.
Supplements. Glucosamine and Flax are helping, but she needs something more. So we discussed massage- Pearl LOVES her daily massage, but best of All she is limping less!!
The following is some more specific info on massage..
If your wanting to learn more,?? Check out my book at https://shop.veterinarysecrets.com
Key?? Points
Massage therapy works in a variety of ways
Repetitive low loads on muscle allows tissue elongation
Assists in moving fluid through the lymphatic system
Removes and replenishes tissue fluid
Improves movement in abnormal tissue (scars, adhesions)
Effect on mechanoreceptors may alter pain perception
The effects on cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels have not been conclusively explained
Appropriate massage touch has many healing properties, although the methods are not always known
Key Therapeutic Points
There are multiple types of massage strokes and techniques–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
Effleurage
Most common move
Typically used every second move, at beginning and end of massage
Always use this stroke in direction of heart
Increases venous and lymphatic flow
Stretches muscle fibers
Relaxes muscles
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
Petrissage
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
How often should massage be performed?
This varies with patient and condition
Many human studies used daily, QOD or biweekly treatments
What should the duration of treatment be?
For acute injury, post-operative treatment, may be limited to weeks/months
For neonate, until gaining normally
For geriatric or osteoarthritis, canine athlete, permanent part of healthy lifestyle
Best of All, this is something that YOU can do at home to HELP Your Pet Heal!!
Its Your Pet..Heal Them At Home!!
Best Wishes
Dr Andrew J
https://shop.veterinarysecrets.com
Copyright 2005 Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Dr Andrew Jones