Animal Massage Therapy FAQs

What is Sports Massage?

How a muscle injury occurs is the focus of sports massage. Therapy relieves muscle pain and assists in the prevention of future muscle injuries. Muscle knots are broken up by unique strokes that spread and separate the muscle between the therapist's hand and the animal's bone.

How may Sports Massage help my animal?

Performance and Working Animals:

• Relieving muscle pain and fatigue increases willingness to work
• Releasing muscle knots increases muscle efficiency
• Keeping muscles supple allows greater range of motion and helps prevent future injuries

Recovery From Surgery and Injury:

• Massage reduces inflammation and swelling, expels toxins, and releases natural painkillers
• Promotes relaxation, which helps the body heal itself

Joint Problems:

• Releases muscle knots formed while compensating for joint pain
• Reduces muscle stiffness from improper body mechanics

What do I need to do regarding my animal's appointment?

Before your appointment, please make sure your animal's coat is dry and free of caked dirt or other debris. Refrain from touching the animal, unless otherwise directed, during the massage. It helps the therapist accurately access the animal's responses. During the post-massage consultation, the therapist will explain where she found muscle knots, what movement they affect, and will give you recommendations on stretches and exercises that would benefit these areas. If you have questions, please save them for the consultation. This way the therapist can devote her full attention to your animal.

What does the therapy entail?

A brief pre-massage evaluation is performed to determine the primary focus areas. Each major muscle area is worked, beginning at the head and ending at the hind leg. To begin the massage, specific strokes are used to soften the muscle. Next, the muscle knot is located. Once located, certain strokes are used to release the muscle knot. These strokes, specific to sports massage, release the muscle knot by smashing it between the therapists hand and the animal's bone. The muscle is then "closed off" by using the strokes that bring blood to the area and help disperse toxins.

How does muscle soreness develop?

Overuse: muscle runs out of fuel

Overstretch: stretching muscle beyond capacity

Trauma: a direct blow to the muscle

For horses, improper saddle fit, improper shoeing, poor dental health, and poor confirmation also contribute to the development of muscle problems.

How often will my animal need Sports Massage Therapy?

This varies on a case-by-case basis. Workload, body condition, show schedule, degree of muscle soreness, and age are factors that determine how often your animal needs a sports massage. Individual recommendations are made during the post-massage consultation.