Several methods, one treatment plan

It may come as a surprise, but many orthopaedic and musculoskeletal problems in small animals are similar to those treated in human medicine. Just as manual therapy can help people with restricted movement, muscle tension and joint problems, manual therapy for small animals aims to help dogs and other small pets move more comfortably and freely. Massage is one of its tools, but manual therapy involves more than that.

Depending on individual needs, treatment may include movement assessment, soft tissue treatment, joint mobilisation, passive range-of-motion exercises, therapeutic movement and proprioceptive exercises. All of these help improve your pet’s quality of life.

Therapeutic dog massage treats musculoskeletal disease and change. It suits age-related complaints, pain from joint wear, post-operative rehabilitation and inoperable conditions alike. Drawing on Swedish and Thai techniques from human practice, it supports muscle recovery and maintenance.

Recommended for

• senior dogs
• post-operative rehabilitation
• as adjunct care for musculoskeletal disease
• warm-up and cool-down for sport and hunting dogs
• pain from joint wear
• muscle atrophy

Laser light has been used in human medicine for decades, and soft-laser devices are now applied successfully to small-animal complaints. Their job is photobiostimulation: light directed at the affected area penetrates the tissue and passes its energy to surrounding cells, helping them work more efficiently — so improvement and recovery accelerate.

Indications

• pain relief
• cartilage wear
• muscle and joint inflammation
• ligament injuries
• wound healing
• post-operative wound care

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that supports the body's natural healing through pressure on energy points. Like acupuncture it seeks to balance the flow of energy, but uses fingers, palms or tools instead of needles. It can be effective for pain, stress and general wellbeing.