You may be wondering how remedial dog massage or physical rehabilitation can help your dog in relation to a specific condition, and what the benefits could be.


I have listed below some of the more common mobility cases that may be of interest.


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Cruciate damage / tears


Cruciate injuries can happen as a result of a sudden slip , twist or fall,  or could be the result of postural or conformation issues. Typically the dog will begin limping, pull up lame and not weight bear on the affected leg. They  may stand with just their toes touching the ground to stablise themselves. They may also sit with their sore leg extended out and the limb may be tender to touch.


Your vet will be able to carry out tests to diagnose a cruciate tear or rupture.


Myo-therapy can assist by:


  • Maintaining flexibility and reducing tension in compensating limbs that are counterbalancing for the redistribution of weight. This will prevent  further injury arising as a result of secondary issues.
  • It can facilitate the rehabilitation process, and speed up recovery time, should the dog need to undergo surgery.​

​After surgery:

  • myo-therapy can improve the range of motion in the repaired stifle joint
  • Rehabilitation exercises can imrpove strength and weight bearing in the repaired limb

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Sub-luxating Patella

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The luxating patella, or slipping knee cap, can be recognised by the dog doing a ''hop, hop, skip''movement of on or both the back legs. The dog may stop suddenly, and  lift their back leg off the ground when the knee cap slips out of the groove that it sits in. The dog does the hopping movement to try and slide it back in to place. Once the knee cap is back in place the dog may resume normal activity as if nothing happened.


It can happen to all dogs as a result of injury, and breeding, but is most common in small breeds.


The luxation is graded in severity from 1 - 4. Your vet will be able to assess this. usually when there is a severe luxation (grades 3 - 4) they may recommend surgery.


When there is a low grade luxation (grade 1 -2) myo-therapy can help to:


  • Myo-therapy can help by maintaining supple and flexible muscle groups
  • Reduce the risk of secondary injuries in compensating muscles 
  • Relieve Trigger points and stress points in the muscles and connective tissue, which will have developed as a result of postural imbalance.
  • Helps to maintain flexibility in the muscles that support the knee   
  • Improves range of motion in the affected joint

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Arthritis  


Arthritis commonly affects the mobility of joints, including flexibility of the lower, spine, hips, hock and knees.


Myo-therapy wont cure arthritis, but will help to:

  • Relieve the pain and muscle tension caused by this condition
  • Relieve hyper sensitive Trigger Points and Stress Points in the muscle and connective tissue.
  • Break the "pain-tension-pain" cycle in the affected
  • It may help to slow the degeneration process


Hip or Elbow Dysplasia


This condition can affect all breeds, especially fast growing breeds.

Myo-therapy can assist to:

  • Relieve the pain and compensatory muscle tension

Following surgery:

  • It can facilitate muscle recovery after surgery, as well as relax and comfort your convalescing pet.
  • Improve the range of motion, rehabilitation and flexibility of the joint 
  • Physical rehabilitation exercises can improve the muscle mass and strength of the affected limb​


For more information or to find out about other presenting conditions that have not been mentioned, please contact me for further details. 



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mel@intouchwithdog.com.au

M: 0448 984 809





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Canine Myo-therapy & physical rehabilitation