More About My Services
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular massage therapy is an advanced type of bodywork for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. By analyzing your dog’s posture, gait, and range of motion, I identify imbalances or dysfunctional patterns in the body. By treating the specific problem muscles, I address the root cause of the pain rather than just temporarily relieving the symptoms. This restores equilibrium to your dog’s body, allowing proper functioning and preventing the pain from returning.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
The lymphatic system is the body’s “cellular garbage disposal,” removing toxins and waste products. It is also part of the body’s immune system, carrying the white blood cells that fight infection. Through Lymphatic Drainage massage, a form of gentle bodywork that assists the body in the circulation of lymphatic fluid, I can help your dog’s immune system to function more effectively. It is beneficial before surgery to help “prime” the immune system, and can also help reduce swelling at the site of surgery or an injury.
Wellness Massage
Stress is one of the most destructive forces for the body. Physical touch through massage can help fight the effects of physical and emotional stress, bringing your dog’s nervous system out of “fight or flight” mode and helping ease it back into “rest and rejuvenate.” If you observe signs of stress and anxiety, such as aggression, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, or just habits like pacing or excessive panting and drooling, I can help bring your dog’s stress under control through regular wellness massage treatments.
Some Dogs Who Have Benefited From My Work
Marley is a 13-year-old Terrier mix. His Dog Mom noted that he had a tender spot around his right “armpit” area, and when touched there he would wince and pull away. Observing his posture, I noted a “valgus” stance: his right forelimb was rotated outward. Using my knowledge of neuromuscular therapy, I worked on the rotator cuff muscles causing that imbalance, and released trigger points that were causing his pain. The leg’s outward rotation disappeared, and when I saw Marley for a follow-up session, his Dog Mom exclaimed happily, “He actually shook with his right paw! He hasn’t done that in years!”
Letty is a young Lab mix rescue who was due for spaying. I arranged for three lymphatic drainage massage appointments with her foster: one on the day before her surgery, one when she got home from the surgery, and a follow-up appointment a few days later. The pre-surgery appointment helped prepare her body for what it would go through, and the post-surgery appointment helped her body clear the effects of the anesthesia. When I returned for the follow-up appointment, there was some swelling at the surgery site, and the gentle massage helped move that fluid build-up out of the area.
Tinker is a 13-year-old Golden Retriever with doggie dementia. Regular wellness massage appointments are part of her Dog Mom’s regimen of holistic care to help keep her mentally calm and manage her anxiety. While I can’t fix her declining memory, she is always happy to see me and loves receiving my loving, gentle bodywork.