Therapeutic massage for pets
The word massage for most people brings to mind images of a dark lit room, soft relaxing music playing in the background, the smells of incense filling the room, as you lay on a table feeling relaxed and calm. While these images are not incorrect, massage can be much more. There is a whole other side to massage that goes beyond offering relaxation. This other side is known as therapeutic massage, and this is the type of massage I offer to your four-legged family members.
Therapeutic massage does offer your pet a relaxed and calming experience, in fact I often have pets fall asleep during their session, but this type of massage has many other benefits too. These benefits include, but are not limited to, an increase in circulation, increased flexibility, improved athletic performance through the decrease of muscle tightness, and it also offers great benefits in helping pets recover after an injury or surgery.
Most of my clients have pets that are athletes or performance animals of one type or another. Many of these pets receive regular, once a month or so, massage/muscle therapy sessions. Regular massage sessions are a great way to prevent small muscle spasms or troubled areas from becoming big problems. Tight muscles or areas of spasm limit your pet’s ability to perform at its top level, for top animal athletes prevention is the key to success.
Every pet can benefit from massage and muscle therapy, not just athletes or performance animals. Many elderly pets suffer from joint stiffness and loss of mobility, a trained pet massage therapist can help with gentle range of motion exercises and massage to increase circulation to all areas of the body. Regular massage/muscle therapy sessions, along with proper veterinary care can keep these aging pets comfortable and happy for longer.
Although massage/muscle therapy can do many great things, especially when performed by a certified therapist, it is important to keep in mind that it is not a miracle and it is not a replacement for proper veterinary care. Massage is meant to be an add-on to your pet’s wellness routine and a way to keep them comfortable, happy, and performing at their highest ability for as long as possible.
If you have questions in regards to whether your pet may benefit from therapeutic massage, feel free to call me.
Savannah Cheek, RVT, EM/MT
Savi Pet Massage 678-779-4531
savipetmassage.com
