The benefits of massage in humans are broadly well known and we use massage techniques to assist us with everything from general relaxation to rehabilitation from injury. Canine Massage Therapy can deliver these same benefits to your dog. CMT is a kind, gentle and non-invasive treatment which aids circulation and promotes relaxation of the soft tissue. The history of canine massage dates back to ancient times; Julius Caesar reportedly travelled with a personal masseuse who also worked on his war dogs and early Egyptian hieroglyphics even depict ‘animal healers’ using massage techniques.
Typically 4 disciplines of massage therapy are used, these are Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage and myofascial release. Techniques can include kneading, stroking or manipulating and stretching the muscles to improve physical health and emotional well-being.
Massage therapy works by targeting sensory neurons embedded in muscles, skin and facia to reduce sympathetic activity* resulting in normal muscular function. When muscles are contracted they can trap surrounding nerves, this not only causes discomfort but actually hinders the nerve’s ability to transmit important messages to the brain, decreasing the function of their associated muscles and organs. Therefore muscle contractions if left untreated can lead to more serious conditions due to the reduced organ function. By relaxing the muscle tissue, painful contractions and spasms are released. The manipulation of the soft tissue, combined with the chemicals released as part of the relaxation response, also improves circulation and aids the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells. This helps the cells to function more efficiently, enabling the removal of waste products and increasing the absorption of excess fluids, reducing swelling.
CMT is a complementary therapy and should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care, however is regularly used in conjunction with veterinary treatment to enhance the recovery process. It can benefit the healing of a wide number of orthopaedic and soft tissue problems but is most commonly used in sporting dogs and to aid the following physical conditions:
Age related problems
Reverse muscle wastage from inactivity
Pain relief from muscle tension, soreness, spasms or weakness
Pain relief from chronic conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia
In addition to aiding mobility, the physical effects of relaxation on the dog’s body also include slowing of the heart and breathing rates, reduced blood pressure, decreased production of stress hormones and increased serotonin levels. Therefore CMT can perfectly complement behavioural therapy for dogs suffering from stress and the associated disorders such as anxiety, ‘reactive’ behaviour/aggression, digestive upsets and psychological issues. In some cases it may even highlight areas of sensitivity in the body which could be exacerbating behavioural problems.
As with many other complementary therapies, while there is much anecdotal evidence to support the benefits of Canine Massage, including the backing of many vets and other industry professionals, very little scientific research has actually been conducted to support these claims. This changed in 2018 when Sparsholt College and University Centre and the University of Winchester began an in-depth trial alongside the Canine Massage Guild. The trial specifically centres around the Lenton method. The Lenton method, developed by Natalie Lenton, founder of the Canine Massage Guild, is a 3-tiered approach encompassing palpation and evaluation (to independently assess individual muscles and fascia), body mapping (specific and comprehensive site map of muscular injuries and myofascial problems) and the ‘7 Protocols’ (a unique set of complex myofascial release techniques which improve range of movement and reduce chronic pain without skeletal manipulation). The trial is still ongoing and the results are yet to be published, however many, including myself, believe the scientific results will support the anecdotal evidence already available. I have met Natalie Lenton’s students on a number of occasions and the relaxation my own dog feels during a massage is obvious to see. Without any background knowledge, the therapist was able to pinpoint specific sites of prior injury with incredible accuracy, through nothing more invasive than gentle touches and strokes.
While scientific evidence is still lacking in support of canine massage, more research has been conducted on the benefits of similar equine massage. In one study, the effects of sports massage on range of motion were assessed in eight horses of the same breed and of similar weight, size and age. The horse’s stride length and frequency at walk and trot were measured on a treadmill before and after a 20 minute massage therapy. In addition, ultra sound technology was used to measure the cross-sectional diameter of the targeted muscles and muscle tendons, to assess the physiological effects of the massage. The results documented an increase in stride length at walk by 3.6% and at trot by 1.2%, with decreased stride frequency. This implies a positive effect athletic performance. There is also much scientific evidence documenting similar performance benefits of massage in humans, so it stands to reason that canine massage should be equally as beneficial for man’s best friend.
Clinical Canine Massage should only be administered by a qualified therapist following a veterinary referral, however some techniques can be practiced by the average owner following basic guidance. I would recommend anyone wanting to try this at home to purchase the tutorial DVD available on the Canine Massage Guild's website: https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/.
Administering regular massage on your dog is a great way to improve their general wellbeing and increase bonding, it also allows you the opportunity to assess their overall health. Of course it should go without saying that it is imperative the dog is not forced to accept the massage as this would be counterintuitive and they should be given the choice not to be massaged if they wish.
I'd love to hear about the ways in which massage therapy has benefited your dog, please leave me a comment below or send a message detailing your experience with the therapy.
* Involuntary responses and subconscious acts in the nervous system, including stress, fear and pain response.
References:
Canine Massage Therapy Centre https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/
Jo-Ann Wilson: The effects of sports massage on athletic performance and general function [2002] https://www.sportsmassageinc.com/EffectsOfSportsMassage.pdf
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