Manual Therapies

I will show you any techniques which would be beneficial for you to use between sessions.

Palpation is used to locate areas of over or underdeveloped muscles, taut bands within muscles, scar tissue, and areas of heat, pain or swelling.

Massage reduces adhesions in soft tissue and increases elasticity. It is relaxing, reduces muscle spasm and pain by stimulating sensory receptors.

Range of motion (ROM) exercises can either be passive when I flex and extend the joint or active when the animal performs the movement, for example when reaching for a treat. These are good for assessing how far an animal can willingly move and can also be used to build up musculature. ROM exercises promote the circulation of synovial fluid in the joints and can reduce restrictions in soft tissue.

Myofascial release reduces restrictions which may limit ROM and improves the ability of muscles to function. It reduces pain and improves comfort.

Trigger points are located within a taut band of muscle. They cause muscle weakness and restricted ROM and are sore when pressed. They can be released by ischaemic pressure or by the use of electrotherapies.

Stretching is used when the animal is warm, it increases ROM and helps prevent the return of myofascial trigger points once released.

Joint mobilisations increase ROM and can be particularly useful for arthritic joints.

Hot and cold therapy are used for different effects but can both relieve pain.