A lifelong association with dogs of all breeds and sizes has made me very aware of the muscular/skeletal issues that dogs can develop leading to stiffness and pain which can make their life miserable if unaddressed. My concern as to how these issues might be eased or alleviated led to an increasing interest in the potential of holistic therapies to complement traditional veterinary medicine.
I was particularly impressed by the long established and well documented potential for soft tissue manipulation to achieve improvements in many areas and decided to undertake the rigorous training of the Galen Diploma in Canine Massage.
I believe dogs of all ages, breeds and lifestyles can benefit from the profound physiological and psychological effects of myotherapy (soft tissue manipulation); from the working or sporting dog to the family pet; from the puppy to the older dog.
Massage can play a pivotal role in maintaining optimum skeletal and muscular health which will maximise fitness and performance and help prevent strain and injury. When injury occurs appropriately timed Myotherapy can enhance the repair and recovery process. Myotherapy can also ease the pain and discomfort which accompanies conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, spondylitis, OCD etc. This is achieved by releasing tension in the muscles supporting the affected areas, facilitating the best possible muscle tone, core stability and flexibility. On a psychological level, massage will soothe and relax the anxious or traumatised dog.
I talk to dog training classes to assist puppy owners in establishing the best care for their dogs as early as possible; I believe the benefits of this will be lifelong.
I am also passionate about the potential for myotherapy to soothe the discomfort and stiffness of joint problems to maximise the flexibility and well-being of elderly dogs. I feel strongly that we should not accept that a dog is ‘just slowing down’ due to age without considering whether he/she may be helped by myotherapy.
This has led me to develop our new one day workshop “Massage and The Arthritic Dog” with my colleagues Anne Tooley and Wendy Goodwin. This launches on Sunday 27th February 2011 with further workshops boked for July and october 2011. For further details go to our courses page.
Qualifications
OCN Diploma in Canine Massage Galen Therapy Centre
MA Counselling Psychology: Sussex and Brighton Universities
BSC (Hons): University College Cardiff
