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Click to go to the Pet Wellness EXPO Website
Mark your calendars! The 2008 Pet Wellness EXPO is set for April 12th at Burlington High School. |
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Veterinary Massage
& Rehabilitation Therapy
 Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy (VMRT) is the manipulation of the muscles and joints. The primary goals of this modality are to help the body return to full function, regain as much strength as possible, and provide pain control. VMRT can help speed the healing process after an injury or surgery. Pets thoroughly enjoy themselves and look forward to each massage.
Not only is it good for your pet's health, it is a great bonding experience between owner and pet. People and dogs get along so well because dogs like to be touched and humans find solace in giving love and affection to our pets. Petting a dog reduces tension and awakens joy and caring in people who are immersed in grief or depression, debilitated by age or disease, or handicapped by physical or emotional limitations. But, even greater than this, is the health benefit the pet receives. The massage will decrease pain, improve function and stimulate the immune system. Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy is not meant to replace conventional treatment. It generally enhances the medical treatment that the patient is currently receiving.
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Frequently Asked Questions - click on question for answer
When Would Massage Therapy be Beneficial for My Pet?
When would Rehabilitation Therapy be Used for my Pet?
When would Massage/Rehab Therapy Not be Appropriate?
What Massage Techniques are Used?
What Rehabilitation Techniques are Used?
What Should I Expect at my First Massage/Rehab Visit?
How Often will my Pet Need to be Seen for Massage/Rehab Therapy?
How Do I Find a Professional in These Techniques?
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Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
When Would Massage Therapy be Beneficial for My Pet?
- ALL THE TIME!
- Bonding time - helps to form a bond of trust and understanding in a new relationship between owner and pet.
- Helps as a Relaxation Technique for certain behavior issues.
- Offers Relaxation after Performance (hunting, showing, racing, etc). This will also minimize chance of injury while working.
- Relaxation after heavy exercise.
- Decrease pain in particular area (post-op, after injury, etc).
- Helps to Sustain muscle mass in chronic illnesses.
- Helps to relieve pain from arthritis, muscle spasm, hip dysplasia, wobblers.
- Helps speed healing after injury or surgery.
- Strengthens the immune system.
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When would Rehabilitation Therapy be Used for my Pet?
- ALL THE TIME! The most important rehab therapy we can do is called conditioning. This involves a sustained activity that is done everyday.
- Healthy and ill animals alike benefit from this form of rehab!
- Helps to speed healing after injury or surgery.
- Before and/or after a performance/working/strenuous activity.
- Helps to maintain or improve neurological function in paralyzed animals.
- Helps to maintain or improve muscle mass in degenerative diseases and slows muscle wasting in hindlimbs of older dogs.
- Helps to increase flexibility of stiff joints.
- Helps animal to return to normal function faster.
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When would Massage/Rehab Therapy Not be Appropriate?
- Pregnancy.
- Over the boney areas (spine, joints).
- Cancer patients.
- Systemic illness (kidney, liver, heart).
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders.
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What Massage Techniques are Used?
Technique used should be designed based on the individual animals needs. There are books and tapes you can purchase to help with this however, I'd suggest having the initial massage done by a professional. A trained professional will guide you on the proper techniques for your individual pet's needs. Once a program has been designed for your pet, you will be taught how to do the follow up care at home. Watching videos can be helpful at this point, as you develop your techniques. The two most common techniques used by Dr. Miller are petrissage and effleurage. These are both gentle and low force and enjoyed by most animals.
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What Rehabilitation Techniques are Used?
- Hot/Cold therapy.
- Body Conditioning including strength and aerobic training.
- Electrical Stim/TENS.
- Ultrasound Therapy.
- Range Of Motion.
- Stretching.
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What Should I Expect at my First Massage/Rehab Visit?
Your first visit is generally an hour in length. There are a number of things that are discussed at this first visit, so be sure to allot enough time in your schedule. There will be a full physical exam performed, followed by massage therapy. If you are interested in a home care program, this will be designed with your pet's individual needs in mind. Your personal time constraints will also be considered, as some rehab can be time consuming. A nutritional consult and supplementation program will be offered, as well.
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How Often will my Pet Need to be Seen for Massage/Rehab Therapy?
This varies from pet to pet. If your pet has had a recent injury, one visit may be enough. However, if your pet has been ill a long time, multiple visits are likely. One way that you can minimize visits, is to participate in your pets healthcare plan at home. This may involve some massage techniques, as well as, conditioning, stretching or other rehabilitation therapies. A willingness to feed good quality, nutritious food and supplements will also help to minimize your need for repeat visits.
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How Do I Find a Professional in These Techniques?
Dr. Miller has been Certified in Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy since 2000. She graduated from The Healing Oasis Wellness Center class, located in Sturtevant, WI. This class is open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, human massage therapists and human physical therapists. This is a 200 Hour Class that is only open to people with a degree of DVM/VMD or MT/PT.
Class participants must pass midterms and both a final "hands on" and final written exam. Exams cover several topics including:
- Neurology/Physiology/Anatomy.
- Massage/Rehabilitation Techniques.
- Introduction to nutrition and other alternative medicine therapies.
There are only a few schools in the United States that offer these classes. |
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