Is your Dog Living with Chronic Pain?

Canine Massage for Chronic Pain.

Chronic pain is defined as pain which lasts longer than 12 weeks despite medication or treatment. It can be caused by, among other things, orthopaedic conditions like Arthritis.

Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life in dogs. In addition to the discomfort itself, there is diminished mobility and ability to perform normal activities of daily living. This can lead to a chronic stress reaction that causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This stress reaction can lead to harmful health effects, such as a reduced ability to fight off illnesses and diseases. It also can increase the risk for conditions such as heart disease.

Sign of chronic pain include but are not limited to:

• Excessive licking
• Slowing down on walks
• Reluctant to be touched or groomed
• Reduced appetite
• Changes in mood
• Antisocial or aggressive behaviour
• More vocal – snarling, growling.
• Stiffness or limping.

Managing symptoms in chronic pain is a challenge however massage is an essential and operative component of your pain management routine.

To manage the chronic pain caused by arthritis and other orthopaedic conditions the fascia and muscles of the body always need to be addressed.

Deep-tissue massage uses slow strokes, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles. Practitioners must have a thorough understanding of the canine body and have been trained to administer deep-tissue massage, as injury can occur if the technique is not performed properly.

Massage helps manage chronic pain by:

• Increasing serotonin, which reduces pain naturally
• Naturally increasing deep sleep
• Increasing range of motion
• Lowering anxiety and improving mood

Call 608 803 897 today for more information.