TECHNIQUES OF PHYSICAL THERAPY (DOG MASSAGE )FOR CANINE
Dr Amit Bhardwaj, pets consultant,Pune.
PHYSICAL THERAPY:
Physical therapy is a growing sector of canine veterinary treatment, and certifications of both veterinary technicians, canine massage therapists and veterinary professionals has increased. In addition to massage, therapy techniques can include the use of treadmills, especially underwater treadmills that help reduce weight bearing while allowing the joints to move, and the use of shallow pools for swimming with reduced impact.
Many veterinary teaching hospitals associated with veterinary schools are now adding and increasing the size of their therapy programs. In addition to professional therapies, simple increases in exercise can help to relieve arthritis, improve health and mobility and help you bond with your dog.
Canine massage is a great bonding experience that can have many wonderful health benefits for your dog (and for you!) Pain relief, arthritis relief, injury recovery and more are all just some of the benefits of this non-invasive procedure. Help your dog feel his or her best and enjoy spending some quality time together!
Physical therapy for canines, or canine rehabilitation, adapts human physical therapy techniques to increase function and mobility of joints and muscles in animals. Animal rehabilitation can reduce pain and enhance recovery from injury, surgery, degenerative diseases, age-related diseases, and obesity.
The goal of physical therapy for animals is to improve quality of life and decrease pain. Although most veterinary practices offering physical therapy are geared toward canines, techniques used in this discipline can also be applied to horses, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents and other small animals
History
The benefits of physical therapy for animals have been widely accepted in the veterinary community for many years. However, clinical practice of physical therapy for animals is a relatively new field in the U.S. In Europe, equine and canine physical therapy have been widely recommended and used for at least the last fifteen years. In the last three to five years, the veterinary community in the U.S. has seen a large growth in physical therapy practices for animals, making it a more available resource for practicing veterinarians. This growth in the availability of canine physical therapy is forcing a change in focus in many veterinary practices from curative and palliative care to preventive care. An example of this is the push for the use of animal physical therapy for weight reduction in obese animals. Weight reduction can reduce the risk of developing many degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and DJD.
Techniques
In an animal physical therapy practice, a CCRP usually confers with the diagnosing veterinarian on the cause and severity of an animal’s condition to develop a specialized therapy plan on a client by client basis. Each technique used in animal physical therapy has different benefits and not all techniques are useful for each condition. Physical therapy for orthopedic conditions can include any combination of the following techniques: thermotherapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, muscle building exercises electrical stimulation and coordination exercises. Neurological conditions generally benefit the most from balance and coordination building exercises, muscle building exercises, electrical stimulation and hydrotherapy. Surgical repairs and traumatic injuries are generally treated with heat therapy, cryotherapy, massage, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy
Massage
Massage is used in animal physical therapy to relieve tension in muscles and stimulate muscle development. Massage helps speed up recovery from injuries and surgery by increasing blood flow to the area and relieving muscle spasms. Massage is used widely in canine physical therapy and can be helpful in improving the comfort of animals affected by nearly all medical conditions.
Thermo and cryotherapy
Thermotherapy is generally used in animal physical therapy before strength building exercises and hydrotherapy. Heat packs are applied to the affected area to increase range of motion, decrease stiffness in joints and increase blood flow. This helps to make the animal more comfortable in the application of other physical therapy techniques. Deep heating of the muscle by laser therapy is often used to stimulate healing of surface wounds and relieve pain and discomfort of constricted and sore muscles. Cryotherapy is often used after an intensive physical therapy session to decrease discomfort caused by inflammation of the muscle.
Passive range of motion
Passive range of motion (PROM) is accomplished through flexion and extension of the joint to its limits. It is important for the physical therapist not to stretch the joint past its normal limits. PROM is used to encourage animals to use the full range of motion of the joints. This therapy technique can significantly increase an animal’s range of motion and decrease joint pain, improving its quality of life
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises make use of equipment designed to strengthen weak muscles and build up limbs affected by atrophy. These exercises include balancing on physio-balls, wobble boards and balance boards. Balance exercises can be useful in animals recovering from surgery. The animal is forced to place weight on the surgical repair, building muscle in the affected area. These exercises can also be helpful for animals with neurological conditions. For example, an animal recovering from a stroke has decreased coordination and balance which can be improved through a physical therapy regime that includes balance exercises.
Coordination exercises
Coordination exercises help improve an animal’s awareness of its surroundings. Such exercises include cavalettis, weaves, and figure eights. Cavaletti is an exercise that gives an animal obstacles to walk over. This exercise makes the animal focus on where each foot is being placed and builds coordination. Weaves and figure eights help to build coordination and strength by forcing the animal to shift its weight quickly from one side to the other as it turns. These exercises are very useful in dogs suffering from neurological conditions and spinal cord injuries.
Strengthening exercises
These exercises include uphill and downhill walking, stairs, standing on 2 or 3 legs, ramps, and sit-to-stands. Uphill and downhill walking are effective physical therapy techniques for increasing flexion of the hip joint. This is a good technique for stretching the hip joint and increasing range of motion in dogs with hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease. Walking up and down stairs forces an animal’s weight to shift fully onto its front or hind legs and builds muscle in the shoulders and thighs, respectively. A simple but effective strengthening exercise for animals with surgical repairs is to force an animal to place more weight than they would normally on the affected limb by lifting the opposite leg. If the physical therapist is attempting to build muscle in the right hind leg, they lift the left hind leg to shift weight onto the right hind leg. To increase the difficulty of this exercise they lift both the right front and left hind legs. Ramps work similarly to uphill and downhill walking. The angle of the ramp can be altered to increase or decrease difficulty. Sit-to-stands work similarly to squats in humans. The animal is asked to sit square on its haunches and is then encouraged to push off its hind legs to stand up. This exercise increases strength in the thigh and stifle joint of an animal.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy techniques use water as a tool to improve muscle and joint function in animals. These techniques include but are not limited to swimming and underwater treadmill. Swimming allows an animal to work several muscles at once while stretching further than walking on land would allow. This helps to build muscle and endurance and is a technique that minimizes stress on the joints. Underwater treadmill is used commonly in animal physical therapy. It provides the benefits of land exercises while decreasing the weight placed on the animal’s limbs. Underwater treadmill and swimming can be very useful in dogs recovering from surgery, such as anterior cruciate ligament and cranial cruciate ligamentrepairs and break repairs
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation techniques uses electrical currents to either stimulate muscles or to combat pain. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is often used to help improve muscle strength, and/or motor recruitment. Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used to help relieve the pain that the animal may be experiencing. These techniques are used along with the other techniques listed above
TOP TECHNIQUES YOU CAN DO AT HOME – CANINE THERAPY
While it dates back to ancient times, canine massage has recently seen an increase in popularity among owners and canine rehabilitators. In the US, canine massage has been gaining popularity in the past ten years, while in other countries, massage became more popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In some countries such as India, canine massage has been around for thousands of years! Massage has its benefits in people, and the same benefits can be seen in our canine companions as well. Keep reading to learn more about what canine massage is, ways to do it at home, and how it can help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
WHAT IS DOG MASSAGE?
Massage, in its simplest definition, is: “the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain”. Massage helps to reduce stress in the body, help the joints, muscles and bones heal, provides basic pain relief, and may assist in the rehabilitation and regeneration of muscle tissue .
For dogs, canine massage has similar benefits. It can be used at home for relaxation and stress relief, to help dogs with anxiety or nervous disorders, to provide relief for arthritis, and to aid in the healing of muscles, joints and bones.
Canine massage is often prescribed by many veterinarians to assist in post-surgical recovery, and is part of canine physical therapies to help improve function, reduce pain and aid in rehabilitation
The popularity of canine massage is growing so quickly that canine rehabilitation has become its own certification, and veterinary staff can obtain certifications in canine massage along with therapy
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CANINE MASSAGE?
The benefits of canine therapy can have a wide range, from basic stress and pain relief, to full-blown surgical recovery. Goals of canine massage therapy include: relief of pain, reduction of tissue swelling, reduction of muscle tension, improvement of circulation and tissue healing, reduction of fibrous adhesions and improvement of range of motion
Pain relief and reduction of muscle tension are important factors in calming down a nervous or anxious dog. Dogs that have had trauma in a previous home, are dealing with the stress of a shelter environment, have separation anxiety and more can all benefit from these effects. Massaging your dog is also a great bonding experience to help bring the two of you closer together.
Improvement of circulation, tissue healing and reduction of adhesions are all important factors in surgical recovery. Massage will help circulate blood better, bringing nutrients and tissue healing factors that speed up recovery and allow the injury to heal. Reduction of adhesions means the recovered limb will have greater range of motion with less chances for arthritis and pain.
Improving the range of motion is an important factor in any dog. It can help elderly or senior pets improve function with less pain, reduce the need for medications, can help athletic dogs recover from injury more quickly, and can help any pet stay healthy and fit.
THREE TECHNIQUES ON HOW TO GIVE YOUR DOG A MASSAGE
While there are hundreds of different ways to perform massage, there are three main techniques that can be used to help your dog improve his or her health. In addition to the techniques, some basic massage terminology may be helpful. (All technique definitions adapted from Pawsitively Peaceful Canine Massage
EFFLEURAGE
Long, flowing strokes that are usually done at the start and end of a massage sessions. This helps to warm up the tissues.
PETRISSAGE
Kneading and twisting the skin and tissue to help remove adhesions, and massage the underlying tissues beneath the skin.
COMPRESSION
Applying compression in a “pumping” motion to help with the fibrous tissues underneath. Used to help relieve muscle spasms and increase circulation.
While there are many other techniques used during the massage, the basics are all that is needed for an at-home session. For a more detailed look at canine massage techniques, check out the sources at the bottom of this article.
THE TECHNIQUES
TECHNIQUE 1 (STRESS RELIEF)
Gentle, slow, calming strokes are important in the massage of a stressed or anxious dog. Starting at the neck and working downward, long, soft strokes can be used. Placing a hand on the back of the neck while stroking may also help to calm your dog. Do not hug or squeeze, just stay calm, pet and rub gently, and focus on finding where your dog is tense. Once he is calmer, you can feel the muscles relax under your touch
TECHNIQUE 2 (ARTHRITIS/PAIN RECOVERY)
Start with a slow and gentle massage as noted in the above Stress Relief technique, and then begin to use pumping and compression motions. These motions will help to soften up the tense tissues and muscles, and help them to relax and uncoil. Do not use hard force, and go gently on any areas that may be very sore or painful. Finish the massage with gentle stroking and petting motions to help relax your dog
TECHNIQUE 3 (INJURY REHABILITATION)
Rehabilitation techniques will vary depending on the injury, and many vets and therapy clinics will provide you with a handout of the techniques specific to your dog’s injury and recovery. Be sure not to start a canine massage session for injury rehabilitation unless instructed by your veterinarian or canine physical therapist. Most techniques will involve gentle motion exercises. You can start by first using a calming stroking technique over your dog’s entire body to help relax him, and then gently begin to move the limb in a normal range of motion. If the limb is too stiff or painful, return to a more soothing and gentle massage to help the muscles relax and stimulate circulation.
ARE THERE TIMES I SHOULDN’T PRACTICE CANINE MASSAGE?
In some cases, massage may not be beneficial to your dog or may even be harmful. These can include systemic problems such as fever, organ dysfunction or infectious disease, as well as problems including fractured/sprained limbs or masses of unknown type and origin. Massage of surgical sites should also be avoided unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian as part of a rehabilitation program .
OTHER WAYS TO HELP THOSE SORE MUSCLES
In addition to canine massage, supplemental medications, therapies and remedies may be useful in relief of pain and injury recovery. Canine massage can help reduce the need for these additional aids, however using both together may provide a better whole-body treatment plan. Be sure to always talk to your veterinarian prior to starting a medication or supplement regimen.
MEDICATION
Medications that provide pain relief such as canine non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) as well as pain medications can help to relieve the pain for surgery or severe arthritis. Examples of medications can include tramadol, and opioid pain reliever, gabapentin to target the nervous system, and adequan to help relieve pain while repairing the affected tissues These medications are often used in conjunction with natural supplements, exercise and massage.
SUPPLEMENTATION
Natural supplements are also beneficial to the relief of pain and repair of tissues. Most owners know of supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are in most arthritis medications as well as diets formulated for senior or large breed dogs. There’s also research that suggests omega-3 supplementation can help support dogs with osteoarthritis.
Other supplements to consider include astaxanthin, creatine, MSM and green lipped mussel.
How To Massage Your Dog
4 techniques to help your pup rest, relax, and rejuvenate
Daily Massage
In just ten minutes a day, you can give your dog a “maintenance” massage. Use a flat palm to slowly touch all the parts of your dog’s body. Really focus on what you are feeling and pay attention to all the layers, from hair through skin, fat, muscle, and down to bone. Meanwhile, Liverlover is basking in the attention and loving the extra “petting.” However, there is more to these massages than just quality time together. After a few days, you will have a clear picture of what is normal for your dog’s body. In future sessions, you will be quick to notice any differences in surface temperature, sensitivity to touch, localized swelling or muscle tension, poor coat quality or tight skin. Left undetected, these things can lead to problems requiring medical care, medications, or even surgery. Knowing what feels normal for your dog can also help you provide better information for your veterinarian, trainer, or massage practitioner. This is one way that regular massage can add to the length and quality of your pet’s life.
Calming the Nervous Dog
Oh, oh. The distant sound of thunder is rolling through your neighbourhood. Your dog begins to whine, roll his eyes, and pant. He dives under your bed. Is there anything you can do to reduce his stress? Massage may be the answer. Massage therapists use a stroke similar to petting to relax the nervous system. Lightly rest the flat palm of your hand on top of your dog’s head or neck. Make long, sweeping passes along the length of the spine and down the tail. Repeat this several times slowly. You can gradually increase your pressure if your dog likes it. Do not press straight down on the lower part of the back. To finish, allow one hand to rest at the base of your pet’s head and the other hand to rest over the area of the pelvis (the high point over your dog’s hips). These two areas correspond to the part of the spinal cord that controls the rest and relaxation responses of the body (for example, sleep, digestion, and tissue repair). This technique is useful any time your dog is nervous or fearful, such as during nail trimming or vaccinations, or when he is hyperactive or restless.
Warm-Up Massage for Active Dogs
If you work out or play a sport, you’ve likely been told many a time that warming up your body is a vital part of your fitness routine. Active dogs that compete, run, hike with their owners, or just play hard also deserve a good warm-up, and it may even prevent injury. Start with several minutes of petting strokes over your dog’s entire body. Briskly rub the large muscles (neck, shoulders, buttocks, and thighs) with the heel of your hand. Gently lift and squeeze the muscles. The technique is a lot like kneading bread dough. Wrap your fingers around each lower leg and squeeze gently. Relax your grip and move up Warm-up for active dogs the leg gradually, squeezing as you go. Finish with more petting over the entire body to stimulate the nerves.
Reference:On request.
