Medical Massage And Its Benefits

Anyone who has had a massage knows the wonderful benefits that come with it. But even beside the relaxation and peace it affords, there are actual medical benefits as well. Massage:
• increases gastrointestinal motility to prevent or relieve constipation,
• reduces back and belly pain,
• lessens anxiety, and
• improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, which carries bacteria to lymph nodes to be destroyed.

One of the most advantageous circumstances for massage is post-operatively. It is easy to overlook the fact that lying on a steel operating table leaves one’s muscles stiff and sore; animals receiving a prophylactic dental are even more prone to stiffness due to the way their heads are positioned during the procedure. To alleviate this side effect, we offer optional post-operative massages. Other situations in which massage is helpful include:
• stressful times,
• after hunting or extensive exercise,
• when a dog is constipated,
• active dogs who are boarded and not able to get their usual exercise,
• relief for muscles sore from compensating for an injury to a limb, and
• comfort for senior dogs or those suffering from arthritis, spondylosis, or hip dysplasia.

For those whose dogs would benefit, we suggest scheduling an appointment for a massage with either Nikki or Aurora (both Certified Veterinary Technicians). These two gals recently had the opportunity to attend a Medical Massage continuing education course through Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This course was taught by Dr. Narda Robinson, the “country’s leading authority on scientific complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM)” (Colorado Veterinary Medical Association).

We strongly believe in the power of massage and look forward to assisting your canine companions!