FAQ 

Yes. In order to comply with the Veterinary Act 1966 and Veterinary Exemption order 2015, and following the Code of Conduct of the Canine Massage Guild, a Vet consent form must be signed by your veterinary surgeon. Veterinary consent allows your vet to inform me of your dog’s condition, medications that he or she may be on, or if there is a contraindication to massage.

I have completed the comprehensive two-year Clinical Canine Practitioner Programme, run by Natalie Lenton and the Canine Massage Therapy Centre. This course included several written modules, practical training weekends, written examination and practical assessment and the completion of an externship. Therapists are taught a total of 60 canine massage techniques which cover the disciplines of Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Myofascial release and the renowned “Lenton Method”®. As part of my accreditation and continued membership to the Canine Massage Guild I also complete a minimum of 25 hours CPD (Continual Professional Development) a year. I also hold a Diploma in Rehabilitation as well as my Veterinary Nursing qualifications.

Results of Clinical Canine Massage may be seen in just 1 – 3 sessions. Where possible these appointments are made at weekly intervals over a three-week period. If no improvement is seen within this time frame, then we tend not to continue with treatment. This, again, is part of the Code of Conduct of being a Canine Massage Guild member. If massage does benefit your dog maintenance massages can be booked every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your dog’s condition.

There are many benefits to dogs that receive massage therapy including: Improvement in circulation to the tissues. Removal of toxins such as lactic acid and waste metabolites. Improvement to the elasticity and flexibility of muscles. Reduction in pain. Improved range of motion to the joints. Loosens restrictions caused by scar tissue or adhesions. Helps to calm a nervous or anxious dog. Improvement in stiffness, posture and gait. Improvement in coat condition.

Clinical Canine Massage can help with pain management and rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries such as strains. It can resolve or significantly reduce myofascial pain and trigger points. It can help with pain management and rehabilitation of orthopaedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, cruciate surgery rehabilitation and help patients with neurological conditions such as degenerative neuropathies (degeneration of the nerves).

Guild therapists use an integrated blend of massage disciplines, tailored to each individuals needs. This includes: The Lenton Method® - a three-tiered approach that includes assessment using advanced palpation skills, body-mapping to identify precise areas of soft tissue injury and direct myofascial release protocols. Sports Massage – designed to rehabilitate soft tissue injury and support areas of orthopaedic concern. Swedish Massage – used to aid relaxation of the muscles and to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage. Deep Tissue Massage – a massage technique that works on the different layers of muscle tissue allowing the deeper, underlying muscles to be treated. Myofascial Release – works on the fascia which is a connective tissue surrounding all muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues allowing normal function, promoting muscular strength, and to release habitual patterns of tension. Indirect and direct myofascial release techniques are used.

A free muscular health check is offered by Canine Massage Guild therapists and uses the art of palpation to “read” what the tissues are doing underneath the therapists’ fingertips. The muscular health check allows palpation of over 20 pairs of muscles, working from head to tail to identify muscular issues such as strains, trigger points, myofascial pain, muscle tone, temperature changes, areas of overcompensation etc. The muscular health check is performed as part of the initial consultation process, alongside posture and gait analysis but can also be performed as a standalone examination to see if a dog is carrying any problems. A muscular health check is not a massage and therefore does not require veterinary consent. Should I find something as part of your free muscular health check, and you would like to proceed with Clinical Canine Massage veterinary consent will need to be gained. Advice will be given accordingly.

Many of the insurance companies are now recognising the importance of Clinical Canine Massage Therapy as part of a dog’s rehabilitation / recovery / pain management plan and as such now provide cover. Please contact your insurance provider for clarification.