Understanding the 4 T’s of Muscle Assessment in Canine Massage

by | Uncategorized

Canine Muscle Assessment – Why the 4 T’s Are the Foundation of Effective Canine Massage

I provide canine massage therapy in the comfort of your home in Marbella. Every session starts with a detailed, hands-on canine muscle assessment. One of the most effective tools I use is the 4 T’s of muscle assessment, developed by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt — a respected pioneer in animal massage therapy.

What Are the 4 T’s?

muscle assessment dogs

Tone – Checking Your Dog’s Muscle Health

Muscle tone is the natural tension or resistance in the muscle at rest. Healthy muscle tone feels springy and consistent. Too much tone can mean tension, overuse, or guarding from pain.

Temperature – A Key Step in Dog Muscle Evaluation

I check for areas that feel warmer or cooler than others. A warm spot may indicate inflammation. A cooler area might suggest restricted blood flow or reduced muscle function.

Texture – Assessing the Quality of Dog Muscle Tissue

Here I assess the quality of the muscle tissue. Smooth, pliable muscle signals good health. Tight, ropey, or gritty textures often point to issues like adhesions or strain.

Tenderness – Signs During a Dog Massage Assessment

Dogs can’t speak, but they do show discomfort. Subtle signs include flinching, licking, turning the head, or moving away. These reactions highlight pain or sensitivity in specific areas.

Why the 4 T’s Matter

Using the 4 T’s of canine muscle assessment allows me to adapt each massage session to your dog’s needs. This helps relieve tension, improve mobility, and support overall wellbeing.

Massage Benefits for Every Dog

Whether your dog is active, ageing, or recovering from an injury, massage guided by proper assessment can make a real difference. If you’re in the Marbella area and want to support your dog’s health naturally and safely, reach out — I’d love to help your canine companion feel their best!

🐾 Massage isn’t just about relaxation — it’s about function, comfort, and quality of life.

📍 Based in Marbella – Serving dogs from La Cala to Estepona
📱 Contact me for more information or to book a session.