Dog Massage?

If you are into this type of thing, here are some tips from Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM:

Key Points
* Massage therapy works in a variety of ways
* Repetitive low loads on muscle allows tissue elongation
* Assists in moving fluid through the lymphatic system
* Removes and replenishes tissue fluid
* Improves movement in abnormal tissue (scars, adhesions)
* Effect on mechanoreceptors may alter pain perception
* The effects on cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels have not been conclusively explained
* Appropriate massage touch has many healing properties, although the methods are not always known

Key Therapeutic Points
There are multiple types of massage strokes and techniques--we will discuss the most commonly used ones for small animals. Keep in mind, contact should always be maintained between the massage therapist's hand and the patient.

Stroking
* Superficial, relaxed long movement with the tips of fingers or palms of hands
* Very light pressure--.5-1 lb
* Slow speed, 1 stroke every 3-6 seconds
* Along length of muscles, in same direction hair grows
* Used for soothing and calming effect

Effleurage
* Most common move
* Typically used every second move, at beginning and end of massage
* Always use this stroke in direction of heart
* Increases venous and lymphatic flow
* Stretches muscle fibers
* Relaxes muscles
* Gliding motion with whole hand, with thumb following fingers
* Use one or both hands with even pressure over muscles
* Stroke every 2-3 seconds
* Pressure applied can vary
* Light pressure, 2-3 lbs, is soothing
* Heavy pressure (10-15 lbs) has significant effect on circulation
* Can be done very rapidly to warm up for exercise

Petrissage
* Foundation of massage
* Kneading, muscles squeezing, compression, wringing up, and skin rolling
* Soothing at 1 stroke per second
* Stimulating at 2-4 strokes per second (athletic warm-up)
* Intermittent pressure and relaxation

Kneading
* Performed with thumbs or palmar surface of three fingers
* Rhythmic, circular movements, small circles
* Start at 2-3 lb pressure
* In large muscles may gradually increase pressure to 5-12 lbs
* Intersperse with effleurage

Compression
* Use palm of hand or lightly clenched fist, alternating hands in rhythm
* Use only on large muscle groups of large dogs
* Use caution with increased pressure
* Alternate with effleurage

Muscle squeezing
* Relaxes tense muscles
* Used on neck, back and leg muscles
* Movement of hand is between extended fingers and heel of hand
* Start gently with 5-10 lb pressure
* Use in slow rhythm, 1 per second
* Fast rhythm, 2-4 per second for athletic warm-up

Wringing up
* Used on shoulders, neck and back
* Increases circulation, relaxes muscles
* Performed with palms, thumbs abducted at 90 degree angle
* Both hands flat on body part, then wring muscle from side to side
* Start at 2 lb pressure, gradually increase depending on muscle mass and size
* Slow rhythm of 1 stroke or less per second

Skin rolling
* Helpful in maintaining skin elasticity and to prevent adhesions
* Lift skin between fingers and thumbs, push thumbs towards fingers
* Performed slowly and lightly--no more than 2 lb pressure at most

Best of all, this is something that YOU can do at home to HELP Your Pet Heal!!
For MORE in-depth training, get my 45 minute Full Demonstration Pet Massage DVD Video at: http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/massage/