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Clinical Canine Massage Therapist Jo Weston


** IMPORTANT UPDATE Following the evidence based research clinical trials with Winchester University, the Canine Massage Guild is now listed as an official provider with Petplan, LV Insurance, Pets at Home and Animal Care insurance. This makes it easier to claim back the cost of clinical canine massage sessions with a registered member of the Canine Massage Guild. Please check your pet insurance policy for specific details. “

This therapy specialises in soft tissue injury rehabilitation from injuries such as strains (overstretch or tears to muscle) trigger points and myofascial pain, commonly seen as lameness and slowing down. It also provides chronic pain management for orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia resulting in improved comfort and mobility. A clinical massage therapist can identify areas of muscular and fascial dysfunction with the art of advanced palpation skills. The whole body is treated which take around 45-50 minutes. This is to address primary areas of concern and secondary areas of overcompensation and habitual patterns of tension which often result in protective muscle splinting. Results are usually seen in 1-3 sessions.

If a muscular problem is not addressed it will inhibit or dampen the results you get with hydrotherapy or other rehabilitation programmes.

Dogs can show pain in 5 ways:

1) Gait/movement for example as lameness/limping, reduced range of motion, stiff when moving, crabbing

2) Posture for example coat changes (flicking up/dry skin), roaching, swayback, twitching of the skin, change in neck carriage,

3) Activities of Daily living for example struggling to get up/down stairs or in/out car,reluctant or slowing down on walks, weakness in back legs.

4) Behaviour for example licking coat (lick granuloma) anxiety, snapping at other dogs, reluctance to be groomed

5) Performance for example a dog that participates in agility pole knocking, weave issues, lack of drive to work, measuring jumps

To help you to identify subtle changes that your dog could be employing to hide the fact they are in pain there is a free guide the 5 Principles of Pain that can be downloaded here:

The 5 Principles of Pain - Canine Massage Guild  

(k9-massageguild.co.uk)


The results of Clinical Canine Massage therapy seen by owners include:

  •  Improved gait and posture
  •  reduced muscle stiffness and soreness
  •  Improved joint range of motion,
  •  restored tissue movement and functionality
  •  decreased inflammation, pain and muscle fatigue,
  •  improved mood – wanting to interact and play more
  •  comfortable being groomed
  •  greater tolerance of exercise
  •  post surgery/orthopaedic condition support
  •  less “twitching” along the back
  •  reduced fear and anxiety,
  •  skin and coat improvement
  •  improved Agility, Obedience, Flyball and Showing performance.

About the Therapist

I am based near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and work mobile treating dogs at home or at my clinic according to individual preference.

I have two dogs and enjoy agility, hoopers and breed shows. Both dogs have qualified for Crufts since 2017.

I trained for 2 years with the Canine Massage Therapy Centre (CMTC) in 4 disciplines of Swedish massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial release. I am a member of the Canine Massage Guild and required to complete a minimum of 25 hours

continuous professional development (CPD) each year.

I have completed CPD courses with CMTC including Anatomy and Skills Review, Facilitated Stretching, Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular facilitation (Advanced Trigger Point),

Ventral Aspect/myofascial release, and Manual Lymphatic drainage.

I have also completed the Canine Conditioning Academy (CCA) Foundation Workshop on developing core strength and fitness in the canine, Acupoint Massage training and Canine Anatomy and Orthopaedic conditions CPD with Animal Osteopathy International.

I contributed to the Canine Massage Guild and University of Winchester Stage 1 of Clinical Trials during 2018. The results of Clinical trials have been published in the Vet Record

(British Veterinary Association) and indicated that 95% of dogs responded positively to Clinical canine massage therapy.

Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study - Riley - 2021 -Veterinary Record - Wiley Online Library

I have Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance with the Canine Massage Guild Block Scheme.

I am now listed as a member of the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT) and this association is listed with most pet insurers for complementary treatment so treatment costs may be covered (subject to individual policy T&Cs)

Fee: £40 per treatment session.

 

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