Bodywork Techniques

Pediatric 

Children, like small animals, require less pressure than human adults. Canine Pediatric massage techniques usually incorporate swedish massage maneuvers, such as petrissage, and effleurage. For example, one study focusing on evaluating the ability of massage to alleviate pain anxiety in children with cancer following intrathecal Therapy or bone marrow aspiration utilized gentle kneading, slow, steady pressure, and smooth , long, and rhythmic strokes to the body on the back, limbs, head, and neck. 

Medical

The term medical massage pertains to soft tissue techniques designed to address specific problems and achieve an objective, identifiable outcome. Medical massage practitioners employ Swedish techniques along with a host of other soft tissue interventions, including myofascial release, stretching, strengthening, the application of heat or cold, and more, depending on the needs of the patient, their diagnosis, and desired results. 

Sports

Therapists offering sports massage often treat patients before and or following an event. Prior to exercise, massage warms and invigorates muscle, improving blood flow and releasing restrictions for maximal strength and endurance. 

Deep tissue

Deep tissue massage usually incorporates Swedish massage strokes; however, we apply the strokes with more pressure to address tension and restriction in the deeper musculature. Deep tissue therapy can improve range of motion, benefits circulation, and restore function to one or more muscle groups. Mobilizing restricted connective tissue adhesions stimulates autonomic nerve fibers within the fascia, which may indirectly stimulate internal organ function. However, due to the pounds of pressure used, deep tissue massage is much less commonly performed on small animals due to risk of injury.

Acupressure

Acupressure resembles acupuncture in terms of treating specific locations derived from the acupuncture point matrix. Goals of acupressure include pain control and alleviation of various systemic conditions. If your dog does not like the needles used during acupuncture, this is a great alternative therapy. In some cases, acupressure can be used for chronic pain and stiffness from lameness, back pain, and all forms of arthritis.  

Myofacial trigger point release

Myofascial restriction develops into trigger points, and taut bands feel firm and ropy. These trigger points and taut bands arise secondary to strain, overuse, inactivity, and pathological reflexes mediated by the nervous system. Trigger points issue predictable pain to referral zones when compressed, and taught bands embody groups of shorten fibers with any muscle. When “strummed” taut bands and trigger points may also instigate pain locally and along referral routes. Further, a twitch in the muscle following its palpation verifies the presence of a pathological portion of muscle. The various manual therapy techniques included in myofascial trigger point release therapy allows us to reduce the reactivity of muscle and alleviate neuro irritability worsened by poor perfusion to the tissue.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) manages lymphedema, the accumulation of excess fluid in the body when lymphatic drainage pathways become obstructed, which may occur after surgery or trauma. The MLD therapist gently strokes along lymphatic vessels and over lymph nodes in order to facilitate passive return of lymph fluid to the vascular system. MLD differs from conventional massage by utilizing very little pressure, and the hands do not slide over the skin. Instead we gently compress and stretch the skin and subcutaneous tissue in order to stimulate flow of lymph through lymphatic capillaries. Movements work toward the heart, paralleling venous and lymphatic flow.

Swedish

The most commonly and the most well researched approach is Swedish Massage. Also known as the classic muscular massage. Swedish massage incorporates several techniques, including effleurage (stroking and gliding) tapotement, (percussion like tapping) petrissage (kneading) and friction massage. Each method produces somewhat different effects, allowing the therapist to tailor approaches to the specific needs of a given patient.