What is Merishia Massage Therapy?

Merishia massage therapy is a manual therapy that combines Swedish and sports massage, with deep tissue techniques, quick fire release techniques, gentle mobilisations and stretches.

Benefits of Canine Massage

Canine massage therapy offers benefits that span both the physical and emotional well-being of the dog. In addition to aiding pain management, rehabilitation from injury and surgery, and in the conditioning and strengthening process, massage can help with anxiety and emotional well-being. This offers great potential for sensitive dogs, especially those whose sensitivity arises from or is exacerbated by pain related issues.

Physically, massage can help with reduction of muscular pain and tension, improved joint function and range of motion, reduction of compensatory issues and restoration of natural movement, increased circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Emotionally, massage can facilitate relaxation; reducing nervous tension, supporting behavioural modification by reducing pain and discomfort, and enhancing the bond between canine and human.

Activating the parasympathetic nervous system through massage can reduce heart rate, promote digestion and elimination, and the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters which play a role in the body’s inhibition and perception of pain.

Who is Canine Massage Therapy For?

Massage therapy can benefit all dogs, whether they are young, old, active, recovering from injury or surgery, or living with ongoing conditions. Sensitive and anxious dogs can benefit greatly from massage.

Compensatory issues can start within 48 hours of an injury or onset of acute pain. This is where your dog may hold themselves differently or move differently to avoid putting pressure on the painful area, this then creates tension elsewhere in the body. Think about an occasion where you have pulled a muscle in your leg, or sprained your ankle. You shift your weight onto the other leg, and then after a little while you might notice your hip or back aching.

During a massage session I can identify areas of tension and help to release them, relieving pain and discomfort and helping to alleviate or prevent compensatory issues.

Sensitive & Anxious Dogs

Sensitive dogs with anxiety and reactivity can benefit greatly from massage therapy. They can also find it really challenging to accept hands on therapies, so the consent-based aspect of Merishia Massage is really key in working with them.

It is estimated that in the region of 80% of dogs presenting with behavioural signs of sensitivity have underlying pain or discomfort. (Mills et al, 2020). Having a massage therapist and other physical therapists on your dog’s team can help to uncover and link areas of pain and restriction with behavioural presentations.

When is Canine Massage Therapy Not Suitable?

There are some contraindications for massage therapy.

• When veterinary consent is not provided.
• Fever and infection
• Sickness/diarrhoea
• Immediately following an accident/injury
• Over an open wound or bruising
• Cancer
• Some skin conditions
• During pregnancy or post-partum (unless vet referred)

If you are interested in exploring Canine Merishia Massage Therapy for your own dog(s), please get in touch for a chat!

References:

Mills, D. et al, 2020, Pain and Problem Behaviour in Cats and Dogs, MDPI

Riley, L.M., Satchell, L., Stilwell, L.M. and Lenton, N.S. (2021) ‘Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study’, Veterinary Record, 189(11), p. e586. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.586