While there are many studies that demonstrate the benefits of massage immediately after a treatment, there are limited longitudinal studies that show the longer term effects of massage and the ideal frequency of treatments to maintain these benefits.

In my experience, regular massage treatments initially, acclimatises the dog to the treatment protocol, loosens the fascia and muscles, and provides relief from muscle tension and pain. These benefits can then be maintained by semi-regular “top up” massage treatments. This protocol is supported by a number of human studies.

In a study of patients with chronic non-inflammatory rheumatic pain (lower back, neck, shoulders and head ache), one group received standard medical care and another group received 10 × 20 minute massage sessions over 5 weeks (2 sessions per week). The pain ratings for both the control group and massaged group are comparable after the treatment period, however only the participants in the massaged group maintained the reduction in pain perception for up to 3 months post the initial treatment period. (Walach et al 2003)

Similar results were demonstrated in a study of people with osteoarthritis in the knee. In this study the improvements in pain ratings, stiffness, functionality and range of motion experienced in the group who received massage, persisted when measured at 2 months and 4 months post the initial treatment period. After four months, the benefits began to decrease. This authors concluded that “periodic maintenance doses of massage may help sustain the effects over time.” (Perlman et al 2012)

Not only is the frequency of massage a variable in achieving benefits, the duration of the massage treatment is also a factor. In a study of cancer patients, those who received a full body massage reported higher relaxation ratings than those that received a short foot massage only. (Faulkensteiner et al 2011) Similarly, in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, those that received a 60 minute massage reported the greater improvement in pain perceptions than those receiving 30 minute massage treatments at the same frequency. (Perlman et al 2012)

In my practice, I have had positive results with older dogs or those with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, treating them for up to 60 minutes weekly for two to four weeks and then moving to a maintenance programme. Depending on the age and mobility of the dog, maintenance treatments may be provided monthly or up to 16 weeks for younger dogs. Maintenance treatments are typically shorter treatments to keep the muscles and fascia loose and lubricated and to treat any specific areas of muscle tension.

The treatment frequency and duration for post injury or surgery rehabilitation cases depends on the injury type and stage of recovery.

For more information about how canine massage may benefit your dog, please feel free to contact me.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.

Sources:
Falkensteiner, M., Mantovan, F., Müller, I., & Them, C. 2011. The Use of Massage Therapy for Reducing Pain, Anxiety, and Depression in Oncological Palliative Care Patients: A Narrative Review of the Literature. ISRN Nursing

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.

Walach, H., Güthlin, C., & König, M. 2003. Efficacy of massage therapy in chronic pain: a pragmatic randomized trial. The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 9(6), 837-846.