5 reasons dog massage doesn’t work

1. Massage is contraindicated

There are a number of conditions where canine massage is contraindicated and cannot be performed. Examples of general contraindications include: post-operative (within 72 hours), during the acute stage of an injury, shock, first and third trimester of pregnancy, and following long distance travel.
There are other conditions for which massage is generally or partially contraindicated as well as times when I would seek a clearance from your veterinarian before treating a dog.

2. Dog doesn’t accept a treatment

Some dogs do not like to be touched. For some this may be a conditioned response or they may be in pain and guarding themselves from touch.
For these dogs, I need to work slowly and gain their trust before they will accept a treatment. This can take considerable time and if a more immediate result is needed then alternate therapies may need to be sought.

3. Condition cannot be “healed” with massage

Canine massage treats the dog’s soft tissues – fascia, muscles, tendons, and to a lesser extent ligaments. Skeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia cannot be healed with massage. However, regular massage can ease the pain and discomfort from muscle tension and uneven loading of compensatory limbs associated with these conditions.

4. Dosage

Depending on the willingness of the dog to accept a massage treatment and the severity of the muscle dysfunction, it may take several treatments before results are observable. In studies into the effects of massage on people with osteoarthritis, significant improvements in range of motion, function and pain perception were observed after weekly treatments performed over 8 weeks. (Perlmann et al 2012) Conversely, in a study of massage on horses, an improvement in their range of movement was observed immediately after a treatment. (Wilson 2002)

5. Misdiagnosis

If the source of discomfort or abnormal gait is misdiagnosed, then a massage treatment may not be effective. While there is some evidence of the effects of massage in non-massaged limb, there will be limited improvement in the dog’s movement or level of comfort if muscle knots, adhesions or spasms left untreated. (Waters-Banker 2013)

SAENA certified canine myofunctional (massage) therapists are trained in canine musculature and how it creates movement. This knowledge allows accurate diagnosis and treatment of the source of muscular dysfunction.

For more information about how canine myofunctional (massage) therapy may benefit your dog, please contact me or send me an email at jlconlon@fullstride.com.au.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.

Sources:

Perlman, A. I., Sabina, A., Williams, A. L., Njike, V. Y., & Katz, D. L. 2006. Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(22), 2533-2538.

Waters-Banker, Christine (2013) “Immunomodulatory effects of massage in skeletal muscle”, Theses and Dissertations – Rehabilitation Sciences, Paper 18

Wilson, J (2002) “The effects of sports massage on athletic performance and general function”, Massage Therapy Journal, Summer, p90-10