Massage and the

Canine Companion

What is Massage? Why Massage?Implementation - Common

conditions/diseases massage benefitsExpectations - Effects of soft tissue

manipulation Session characteristicsQ and A

Objective

What is Massage?

Massage is the manipulation, methodical pressure, friction, and kneading of the body.

ACUTE PAIN Generally, acute pain is responsive to

conventional drug therapy; however, untreated or inadequately treated pain can lead to the development of chronic pain.

CHRONIC PAINConstant Pain with some days better

than othersBody can not seem to heal from injuryMay or may not involve tissue damageIndividual Pain Tolerance

Why Massage?

Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease

Hip DysplasiaSpecific Surgical ProceduresCancerObesityAthletics

Common Chronic Pain Conditions

MultiModal approach to treatment – weight, exercise, pharmacologic, massage and/or PT

Immediate effects of massage includeRelief of muscle tensionImprovement of joint and muscle

functionRegulation of muscle tone and

preparation of muscles for activityMay help to maintain muscle mass

Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease in Aging Dogs

Single joint disease can lead to multiple joint disease through inactivity.

Massage may help to prevent loss of muscle mass and wasting by

increasing the blood flow to muscles (thereby also delivering oxygen and nutrients)

increasing muscle function, which places less stress on the joints

Range of motion may be increased, easing tension and pain during the flexion and extension of movement

Hip Dysplasia

Aids in recovery of more complicated surgeries, such as ACL, TPO, FHO

Amputations require special attention to the myofascial and spinal restriction they will develop along back, neck and remaining limbs

Skeletal system has different healing periods

Muscles can atrophy while bone(s) heal

Lipomas can mechanically influence body movement before and after removal

Specific Surgical Procedures

Deep tissue massage is generally not recommended for cancer patients.

Patients with osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, skeletal metasis, spinal instability, low platelet counts, or osteopenia should NOT receive massage.

Massage can be an effective tool to combat lymphedema, stress, contractures, and neuropathic pain.

Cancer

Massage complements an exercise program by relieving soreness of the muscles and ligaments

Depending on patient and regimen, massage can reduce lymphedema

Massage stimulates absorbtion of nutrients and evacuation of the waste products

Overweight or Obese Patients

Effective Pre, Peri, or Post EventMassage improves circulation, repairing

damaged tissue, and restores range of motion.

Stretches ligaments and tendons, distributes joint fluid over articular surfaces, increases flexibility and muscle strength, thus helping to prevent injury

Athletic/Sports Enthusiasts

Expectations

What MASSAGE does systemically to the body

Benefits to the

Nervous System (PNS)Massage directly

influences the Peripheral Nervous System via pressure and rhythm.

Reduces stress, anxiety

Decreases beta wave activity

Increases alpha and delta wave activity

Activates sensory receptors

Benefits to the Endocrine System

Can increase serotonin and dopamine levels

May decrease cortisol levels

Reduces norephrinephrine and feelings of depression

Benefits to the Respiratory System

Decreases respiration rate

Decreases sensation of dyspnea

Decreases laryngeal tension

Increases fluid discharge from lungs

Benefits to the Lymphatic System

Promotes lymphatic circulation

Reduces lymphadema

Decreases weight in patients with lymphadema

Increases lymphocyte count

Increases number and function of Natural Killer cells.

Benefits to the Cardiovascular SystemIncreases stroke volume (ease/force of

blood through vessels) Improves blood circulationStimulates release of acetylchoine and

histamine for sustained vasodilationReplenishes nutritive materialPromotes rapid removal of waste

productsReduces ischemia Decreases blood pressure, pulse, and

heart rateIncrease production of RBCs, WBCs, and

platelets

Benefits to the Digestive SystemPromotes

evacuation of colon

Relieves constipation

Stimulates digestion

Relieves colic and intestinal gas

Benefits to the Musculoskeletal System

Relieve muscle tension

Relax musclesReduce soreness

and fatigueTone weak

musclesManually separate

muscle fibers thus decreasing muscle spasms

Lengthen muscleIncrease flexibilityImprove muscular

nutritionIncrease range of

motionImprove

performanceImprove motor

skillsCan loosen

residual tension in tendons

Musculoskeletal System cont.

When a muscle overstretches, a spasm often results.

Sometimes, instead of a spasm, muscle fibers tear and trigger inflammation.

The healing process lays down connective tissue in a web like pattern, but this new tissue has reduced the strength, flexibility, and elasticity of the muscle.

Ligaments and Tendons

LigamentsLimited blood

supplyLimited contraction

powerWith repeated

overstretching, can lose 25% of strength

TendonsCan endure an

enormous amount of tension

Can stay contracted after heavy exercise

Treatment for a soft tissue injuryEvaluation and treatment for joint painLamenessBumps and LumpsBody Condition (obesity management)General overall wellness

How does your practice benefit from what I do? Your clients may come to you sooner for ...

15, 30, 45, 60 minute appointmentsTechniques include Swedish, Shiatsu,

Energy Healing, Passive ROM, and Deep Tissue, Stretching

Preference is animal on floor, lateral position

Any issues/concerns noted would be communicated to owner for awareness and/or veterinarian follow-up

Records kept from each sessionAnimal is in charge, dictating pressure

and time

Session Characteristics

Observations of body composition, stride length, limb carriage, spinal column bending (pulling on leash), turning

Gait analysis Range of MotionBasic Medical History/Current

Medications

What do I tune into?

Provides loss of range of motion in limb joints

Maintains joint integrity and blood flowIncreases diffusion of synovial fluid

within jointMuscular Re-TrainingCan reduce pain in that particular area

Range of Motion

Will increase flexibilityPrevention of injuriesImproved general metabolismBetter Gait and movement

Best done during cool down after exercise or massage

Stretching

Contraindications of MassageAcute onset of illness, trauma, fever,

inflammationImmediately post- surgeryDisk ruptureCancer (debatable) Wounds or lacerations

Its important to remember that massage is a new modality/mentality to clients.

Aging dogs are more likely to experience pain today due to their increased life span as a result of advances in veterinary medicine.

Massage is an option for those clients committed to an alternative/holistic lifestyle.

Massage is an option for those patients that do not tolerate NSAIDS or do not receive enough relief from them.

In Closing...

BibliographyCanine Massage, A Complete Reference Manual, 2nd Ed, by Jean-

Pierre Hourdebaigt, 2004

Bancroft School of Massage Therapy Small Animal Massage Program, 2007

Various abstracts from North American Veterinary Conference 2006

Veterinary Practice News, Robinson, Narda DVM, “Comforting Cancer Pattients with CAM”, 11/20/07

Diagrams provided by Bryan Edwards Publishing Inc. Produced by Bryan E. Nash. Written and Illustrated by Flash Anatomy, Inc. Anatomical Illustrations by Meredith Albertelli. Graphics by Bianca M. Montoya. Copyright 2004 by Bryan Edwards Publishing.