Cat & Dog - Veterinary Massage Therapy

What is massage therapy?

As a form of physiotherapy, massage therapy is the application of specific hand movements on a patient to improve muscle and joint function by relieving tension, spasm, or other restrictions to proper motion. It may be used for warm-up purposes, for relaxing or stimulating muscles in order to prevent injury, or for rehabilitation of a patient after an injury. Massage is also used to improve the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid. Finally, massage is used to stimulate the function of various internal organs through acupressure points and trigger points.

What is the history of massage therapy in veterinary medicine?

While the desire to touch animals is probably one of the first things we are aware of, massage therapy itself has been relatively recently adopted as a therapeutic modality by veterinary medicine. It borrows heavily from techniques used in human massage therapy. A few of the more common techniques include trigger-point massage, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, friction massage, and passive range of motion therapy.

On which species of animals is massage therapy practiced regularly?

Sports massage is used widely to prevent injury in horses before competitions. Passive range of motion (flexing and extending a limb for example) is prescribed as a form of physiotherapy following certain injuries and orthopedic procedures in small animals, especially in dogs. Therapists can use acupressure on most mammals and even some reptiles!

Who practices veterinary massage therapy and do I need a referral?

Veterinary surgeons possess the expertise to instruct clients on how to maintain mobility through passive limb movements in convalescent patients. Other massage techniques and applications are much more specialised, and require additional training. Acupressure will often require some formal training in Chinese medical theory. Specific courses in veterinary massage therapy are available to help people learn trigger point therapy, sports massage, friction massage and Tellington Touch (TTeam). Massage on animals can also be performed by a trained therapist after a diagnosis has been reached. If a non-vet will be performing the treatment, the patient must be referred by a vet, who will then assume responsibility for assessing and coordinating the patient's care.

What conditions are most often treated with massage therapy?

Both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries may respond to massage therapy, especially as a complement to other forms of specific treatment. Acupressure can be used as an adjunct therapy for any condition. When used for rehabilitation, the patient's treatment must have been preceded by a veterinary examination and complete diagnosis, including assessment of any other health concerns.

How can my pet benefit from massage therapy?

When performed as part of a comprehensive treatment package, massage therapy may minimise injuries and enhance the patient's recovery speed. Animals with decreased mobility from chronic injuries may benefit from massage therapy with improved range of motion and/or decreased pain.

How successful is massage therapy?

The success of massage therapy, especially as it relates to sports massage, is difficult to measure. The current acceptance of massage therapy as promoting faster recovery from injuries is largely based on clinical experience.

How safe is massage therapy?

When performed by a trained professional, massage therapy is extremely safe. If it is done incorrectly, massage can intensify pain or muscle spasms, resulting in worsening of the original condition or in secondary injuries.

Massage therapy must never be performed on open or infected wounds, on torn muscles, on joints affected with inflammatory arthritis, or if the patient has a fever.

What is the cost of massage therapy?

Comprehensive massage therapy rarely involves a single visit, and costs will vary according to the specific condition being treated and the response of the patient. Before massage therapy is prescribed, a veterinary practitioner must diagnose the condition being treated. The fees associated with massage therapy are set by the individual practitioner, and often reflect the experience, skill, and training of the therapist. Once the practitioner assesses the response to treatment, the client may be shown how to administer selected massage treatments to the patient between therapy sessions.

Can massage therapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?

Massage therapy integrates well into a treatment plan that utilises either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If a non-veterinary massage therapist is used, the vet and massage therapist must communicate to combine their knowledge and skill to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How can I find out more information about veterinary massage therapy?

We would be happy to assist you in evaluating the suitability of specific massage therapy for your companion animal. For further background on the subject, consult www.animaltherapy.co.uk or www.tilleyfarm.co.uk for further information on animal massage, physiotherapy and Tellington Touch therapies.