What are some of the common contra-actions of massage?
- tiredness due to release of toxins encouraged by the massage
- Muscle ache or headaches due to nerve fibres response to the deep muscle work
- heightened emotional state due to positive release of deep held feelings
- frequent urination due to stimulation of lymphatic system
- changed sleeping pattern, increase sleep or very relaxed
- active bowels as body system tends to work better
What is some of the aftercare advice given following a massage?
- no feeding for 2 hours
- keep dog quiet, comfortable and warm to allow them to process the massage
- short walk on lead for 10minutes if necessary
- the following day be vigilant for muscle soreness and this adapting exercise routine to allow for adequate rest
- recommend involvement of other professionals such as nutritionist, behaviourist or vet
- dog may be thirstier or encourage uptake in fluid to expel toxins this may increase need to urinate. Urination will be darker and stronger smelling
What are types of tapotement techniques and how are they carried out?
- cupping, hand are cupped and relaxed shape keeping fingers together, wrists flexible and elbows bent
- hacking - arms away from sides, fingers relaxed and movement from the wrists. Edge of little fingers and hand strike the area alternatively in a light rapid motion
- pounding - arms away from sides and flexing the elbows, extending wrists and flexing finger loosely into a fist. Outside edge of little finger strikes area alternatively and rapidly
What are the general benefits of tapotement techniques and when are they used?
- used for pre-event massage to increase circulation
- provoke muscle and tendon reflexes in turn helping temporarily reduce nerve sensation allowing deeper techniques to be applied
- stimulate muscle tone
- trigger release of endorphins
- brings blood to surface
- releases muscle spasms
What are specific benefits of each tapotement methods?
- cupping- stimulate muscle and increase circulation. Energising effect which should be used with caution. Triggers release of endorphins and allow deeper massage work to sore areas
- hacking- break up congestion in muscle fibres
- pounding- helps to reach deeper muscles and promotes circulation of blood and nutrients
What are the types of petrissage methods and how are they carried out?
- picking up- palms of hands between thumb and four fingers. Pressure coming from palms not fingers as to not nip skin. Gently squeeze and lift tissue before letting go
- wringing - using palms of both hands with flat fingers and extended thumbs to apply pressure to muscle. Like wringing a cloth from side to side up and down and crossing over. On a smaller dog use fingers instead of full hands
What are the main benefits of the petrissage methods?
- increase and restore mobility
- help free adhesions
- stimulate nerve endings
- encourage lymphatic system and therefore removal of fluids and toxins
- due to improved circulation and nutrition, dermis elasticity is maintained
- improved circulation by emptying and refilling vessels
- aid relaxation and relieve aches and pains if carried out slowly
- if carried out rapidly can help stimulate nerves in lethargic dogs
What are the benefits of the compression technique?
- mainly to spread muscle fibres and increase circulation
How is the compression technique carried out?
- using heel of hand or flat surface of knuckles with lightly clench fists or fingers in smaller dogs
- direct rhythmical pressure in clockwise direction sinking into tissue and moving it up and around for 1-2 seconds
How is the vibration technique performed?
- mild to moderate pressure using hands with fingers closed and gently shaking
How is the shaking technique carried out?
- mild to moderate pressure using hands with fingers apart and gently shaking
What are the benefits of the shaking and vibration techniques?
- effects and loosens deeper structures such as muscles and joints below the superficial tissues.
- slowly to induce parasympathetic nervous system and relax the dog
- stimulate dog if done quickly
- reduce swelling in joints
What are the main benefits of the friction technique?
- creates heat
- realign disorganised tissues to free adhesions
- help to stretch muscle fibres and release tension
- release waste deposits and stimulates collagen fibres
What are the benefits of ischemic pressure?
- relieves hypertonia
- increases circulation to specific point
What are the main benefits of myofascial release?
- induce relaxation in hypertonic muscles
- increase fluid uptake
- greatly increases local circulation
- breaks up adhesions and spasms
- frees laterally bonded fibres
Which techniques can be used during a pre-event massage?
- wringing/picking up
- shaking/vibration
- compressions
- cupping/hacking/pounding
- myofascial release
- effleurage
What techniques can be used during a post event massage?
- wringing/picking up
- myofascial release
- effleurage
What is the benefit of the foreleg stretches?
- Foreleg abduction - stretch pectorals
- foreleg protraction - helps improve integrity of shoulder and improves breathing capacity due to loosening chest muscles
What are the benefits of the hind leg stretches?
- hind limb flexion (lying down) - flex joints in hind leg releasing tension
- hind limb abduction (lying down) - stretch muscles that support the hip
- hind limb adduction (lying down) - stretch muscles that support the hip
- hind limb retraction - stretches hip flexor muscles and abdominals
What are the benefits of the cervical thoracic stretch?
- cervical/thoracic - stretch para vertebral muscles
What are the benefits of the tail stretch and rotations?
- tail full stretch and rotations- stretches and lengthens vertebral column
