WHAT IS CANINE MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY (CMT)?

dog massage (canine myofunctional therapy)

​When applied by a qualified and experienced canine myofunctional therapist, dog massage is a very safe treatment that can benefit every system in the body.

  DOG MASSAGE CAN:

• Increase flexibility
• Improve range of movement
• Reduce stress and tension
• Alleviate pain and muscle tension (e.g. arthritis, hip dysplasia)
• Improves circulation
• Assists in elimination of waste around the joints
• Supports the maintenance of good body balance and posture
• Induces relaxation
• Eases discomfort in palliative care dogs
• Provides a general feeling of wellbeing
• Stress reduction
• Nerves and organs can operate better

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?

• Older dogs who are showing signs of ageing, slowing down a bit, perhaps limping and stiff and may be suffering from arthritis.
• Dogs who suffer from depression, anxiety and stress.
• Dogs who have suffered injuries, have disabilities or are recovering after surgery.
• Rescue dogs who may suffer from the circumstances and consequences of being surrendered and rehomed.
• Timid dogs who need confidence to trust the human touch.
• Health and Energetic dogs who may be involved in agility, to assist in injury prevention, and to maintain their bodies in peak condition.
• Dogs at end of life or in palliative care.

Almost any dog can benefit from CMT, the exceptions being specific medical conditions and diseases. This will be discussed prior to an appointment.

CONSULTATION

The treatment will take place in the privacy and comfort of your own home, where your dog will feel more at ease in a safe and familiar environment.

Allow approximately 60 - 90 minutes for the initial consultation which will include:

• Meet and Greet.
• Identifying your dogs' history, past and present medical issues, diet, temperament, lifestyle and environment.
• Gait and Stance observation and analysis. 
• Soft Tissue Assessment.
• A selection of appropriate canine specialised massage techniques including acupressure, passive range of motion, trigger point release and stretching will be applied based on the evaluation from above.
• Discussion at the conclusion of the session.
• Home exercise plan (if advisable).

Follow up sessions:

Allow approximately 45 - 60 minutes for the follow up session which will include:

1. Feedback from the previous session.
2. Assessment and Evaluation (similar to the initial consult).
3. Treatment applied, based on the evaluation.
4. Discussion at the conclusion of the session.

Every dog is unique, and dependent on the reason for referral the number of sessions required will vary. Your dog may require 2 - 3 sessions, fortnightly apart, which then may be tailored of to 1 session monthly until completion.

It may be that you would like only one treatment as a treat for your dog or having it on your bucket list for your dog who may be at the end of life.

Bear in mind CMT, is not a quick fix, but a full holistic package.

During the session, it may be that the dog needs breaks from the treatment to wander, toilet. I will always go at the pace and timing of what appears comfortable for your dog.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DOG MASSAGE / CANINE MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR VETERINARY CARE