ANIMAL MASSAGE - PART 1
11 May2012
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In more recent years animal massage has continued to evolve as a holistic treatment therapy with dogs, cats and horses the most common candidates for massage therapy.
As with humans, soft tissue damage occurs in the daily lives of both pets and performance animals. Trained Animal Massage Therapists can contribute significantly to an animal’s ease of movement, health and quality of life.
To read a previous article about the health benefits of animal companionship click here.
Some Animal Massage Therapists specialise by species, with equine and canine the most common, whilst others work on a mix of large and small animals from pets to show champions and even Olympic jumpers! Therapists work in many disciplines including veterinary clinics, shelters, zoos and pet or grooming stores. Some therapists work solely in the animal industry, whilst others use it as an adjunct to their massage services for humans.
Massage therapy is suitable for most of our furry friends, young and old, from the family pet to the most prized show animal. All massage therapy has associated indications and contraindications so Animal Massage Therapists often work in close conjunction with veterinarians.
Regular massage is often used as both a preventative and performance enhancing measure, primarily in the grey hound and horse racing industry. Massage specifically promotes muscle and joint mobility, flexibility, endurance and strength. These same effects make regular massage therapy an important part of an injury prevention program and also helps to reduce post-exercise soreness.
In addition to easing muscle soreness and a well-deserved pampering, animal massage is a common treatment method for many conditions including:
- Diagnosed arthritis
- Inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia or a dislocating knee cap
- To assist rehabilitation following injury
- To assist rehabilitation following surgery
- To promote general health and well being
As an emerging animal health career, animal massage therapy is likely to continue to gain recognition, popularity and momentum in its application treating a broad range of physical injuries.
Next week we’ll examine the emotional and behavioural benefits animal massage therapy provides.