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Pet Massage. By Jamie Naumann. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being Massage initiates the process of self restoration and healing
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Pet Massage By Jamie Naumann
Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being • Massage initiates the process of self restoration and healing • Pets may benefit from massage and other therapies the same way as humans do
Benefits • Decrease muscle soreness • Boost the immune system • Improve the quality and symmetry of movement • Support better joint health and function • Promote earlier detection of stresses and strains • Stimulate circulation for greater health of all tissues • Help reduce risk, severity, and frequency of injuries • Improve athletic agility and coordination • Reduce the effects of stress • Minimize restrictions caused by old scar tissue • Reduce or eliminate adhesions, knots, and other restrictions • Improve skeletal alignment for more efficient movement • Release endorphins (natural pain killers) • Lower blood pressure • Improve digestion
Other benefits.. • Massage can also help with behavioral problems • Gaining a pet’s trust through the act of being touched • Calms down a nervous or hyper pet • Helps a shy or submissive pet feel more secure • Relaxes an aggressive or dominant pet
Why use massage? • Help to relax show dogs, performance dogs, police/working dogs, service animals etc. • Alleviate stress a dog feels with environment change • Boarding • Moving to a new home • Conditions • Arthritis • Spinal disorders • Hip dysplasia • Compromised immunity
Animals with a history of neglect or abuse can greatly benefit from massage • Chance to bond • Positive Touch • Gain trust for humans • Animals with physical disabilites • Blindness • Amputated limb
Massage Techniques Effleurage - Gliding strokes using the palms, thumbs or fingertips. Petrissage - Deep kneading of soft tissue and muscles with the hands or thumbs and fingers. Friction - Circular movements of the thumbs, fingers, or palms of the hands using slight pressure. Vibration - Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate select areas of the body. Tapotement (also known as Percussion) - Brisk pummeling or tapping motions on targeted areas or muscle groups. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2Hz9E7cHno
Who can perform massage? • A veterinarian • Licensed massage therapists • Even yourself • Keep it light & gentle • Deep massage should ONLY be performed by a professional • Learn on the internet • Ask a Vet to show you how!
Things to remember.. • Make sure you know what you are doing • Injure the animal OR yourself • Pay attention to the animal • Warning signs • Do not wear out your welcome! • Don't force it • Not ALL animals enjoy massage • Never massage a dog you don't know well • Avoid pressing at all on the stomach; you could damage internal organs
Schooling • Certification • Workshops • Northwest School of Animal Massage • Animal Spirit Healing & Education® Network • Brandenburg Massage Therapy • Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure & Massage • Bits of Love ~ Minneapolis • Offers a training course for home pet massage for $100
How often? • Depends on the temperament and health history of your pet • Anywhere to once a month to 2-3 times a week • Appointments usually last 15-30 minutes
Cost • Prices for pets range from $30-50 dollars for 30 minutes • Compared to humans -- $75 plus..
Works Cited • Google pictures • http://www.petmassage.com/articles/potential-effects-of-massage.htm • http://allaboutanimalmassage.com/ • http://www.iaamb.org/ • http://www.pet-health-advisor.com/caninemassagetestimonials.html • http://www.altmd.com/Articles/The-Use-of-Massage-in-Holistic-Pet-Care