Massage is a complementary therapy that has a large variety of benefits, including:
-
Ease pain caused by muscle tension, spasms, tenderness and tightness
-
Promote blood circulation
-
Promote lymphatic drainage of waste products
-
Aid in recovery and rehabilitation and prevent future injury
-
Improve performance by promoting full range of motion
-
Promote general well-being and mental health of the animal
-
Slow the progress of degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis
Symptoms in Horses
-
Favouring one rein
-
Bucking in canter
-
Shorter strides on one or both sides
-
Cold backed
-
Change in behaviour or attitude to work
-
Uneven muscle development
-
Reluctance to work on the bit (going above or behind the vertical)
-
Unexplained reduced performance
-
Sore when grooming/tacking up
-
Struggling to pick up correct canter lead
​
Symptoms in Dogs
-
Reluctance to go upstairs, climb into the car or jump onto furniture
-
Running around less or slower during walks or play
-
Changes in behaviour
-
Not wanting to be groomed or fussed
-
Stiffness after exercise
-
Uneven muscle development
-
Unexplained reduced performance in agility, flyball or working dogs
If you suspect lameness or a neurological issue, please call out your vet for advice as I cannot treat if there is an undiagnosed lameness or with most neurological issues. I will do my own assessments before treating, but legally I cannot diagnose a condition and I will refer you back to your vet if needed.