top of page

When Can Massage Help?

If your dog is recovering from an operation or injury, is living with an orthopaedic condition such as arthritis, or you have observed them demonstrating any of the following, then massage may be a suitable and effective treatment option for them:
 

  • Lameness, for example:
    - limping, hopping on or carrying a leg (intermittently or persistently);
    - muscle wastage (atrophy) / weakness;
    - reduced range of motion in one or more joints;
    - any other gait irregularities (unusual ways of moving)

     

  • Irregular posture, for example:
    - uneven weight bearing;
    - sitting with both back legs angled to one side;
    - hollow (sway) or arched (roach) back when standing

     

  • Stiffness getting up from rest or following exercise
     

  • Crying out in pain when rising, during activity or when touched
     

  • Signs of discomfort or pain in response to touch, for example:
    - looking at your hand
    - moving away from you

     

  • Hesitant or reluctant to jump in and/or out of the car
     

  • Slow or having difficulty going up and/or down stairs
     

  • Loss of enthusiasm for favourite activities e.g. walks, play, being stroked
     

  • Resting or sleeping more
     

  • Muscle twitching / skin quivering

  • Scratching, rubbing, nibbling or biting at a particular area of their body
     

  • Anxious, fearful or aggressive behaviour towards people and / or other dogs, especially in response to touch or expectation of touch
     

  • Performance issues, for example:

       - early-onset fatigue

       - reduction in speed

       - retrieval issues

       - lack of reach and drive

       - change in work positions

       - avoiding / clipping jumps

       - issues with weaves and contacts

       - measuring

       - tripping / falling

What clients say

"When we first met Sara I thought my dear old lab was literally on his last legs. The vet had been unable to reassure me of any improvement. Henry was limping badly and generally out of sorts despite daily medication. Sara's fantastic massage technique soon has Henry enjoying a blissful state of complete relaxation and freedom from discomfort. A course of treatments is keeping muscle stiffness at bay, ironing out all the creases, increasing his mobility and much improving his general well-being. Not only has Sara lifted Henry's spirits but mine also. Her home visits are so convenient and much looked forward to by us both. Sara has also given us much advice on ways in which we can help our arthritic dog continue to enjoy a good life - we only wish we had met her years ago." 

Linda and Henry the Labrador

bottom of page