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Massage Therapy (referred to as Therapeutic Massage) is
a general term for a range of therapeutic approaches with
roots in both Eastern and Western cultures. It involves
the practice of kneading or otherwise manipulating a person's
muscles and other soft tissue with the intent of improving
a person's health and well-being. Stroking and kneading
of the body parts is used to relieve pain. Designing an
appropriate massage routine requires the therapist to combine
a knowledge of anatomy, observation of the animal's movement
and demeanor, the history provided, and experience gained
through working with other animals. As the massage progresses,
the therapist will note both positive and negative reactions
by the animal as well as any physical changes produced,
and vary the routine if necessary in order to obtain the
most favorable result possible.
Benefits/Contraindications
Increased circulation of blood and lymph, pain reduction,
endorphin release, increased flexibility, reduced recovery
time from illness and injury, emotional recovery, stress
relief, improved body awareness, overall wellbeing.
Training/Licensing
Massage therapists are licensed (LMT) or registered (RMT)
in several states. Many massage therapists have also been
"certified" (CMT) by specific school, bodywork
organization, or national regulating body (such as the National
Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork).
Certification is available for animal massage. See State
Certification for more information. See IAATH website.
Information provided courtesy of Lola Michelin LMP,
LAMP
Animal massage
is the use of pressure in various forms administered by
hand to the musculoskeletal system with the intention of
facilitating good health. Interest in this field has been
on the rise over the past few years. Many countries and
some states in the U.S. recognize massage as a health care
service for animals, and each has its own guidelines regarding
training and recognition of practitioners. Although massage
is an old tradition, it is still considered a fairly new
“science”. Consequently, many states are still
defining its use and standards of practice.
Massage therapists
are only one group of people who provide massage for animals.
Veterinary technicians, horse guardians, grooms and trainers,
physical therapists and others offer massage for relaxation,
well being and rehabilitation when appropriate.
Massage is believed
to facilitate health and balance in many ways. Massage eases
tension in the soft tissues, promotes good circulation,
provides relaxation and stimulates the function of the immune
system. Massage may be used for competition horses and dogs
in the same way it is used by professional athletes. Due
to advances in veterinary care, many companion animals live
longer lives and massage can be a helpful tool in maintaining
an animal’s youthful exuberance.
A professional
massage therapist ensures that the animal is under the care
of a veterinarian and may ask for a referral. He or she
will usually begin by taking a brief history and evaluating
the animal’s overall soft tissue and postural condition,
before beginning application of the appropriate massage
technique, or the technique in which he or she specializes.
Most massage therapists are happy to answer questions but
may ask the animal’s guardian to hold them until the
end of the session, in order to allow the therapeutic focus
to remain on the animal’s needs. The therapist may
offer instruction in follow-up techniques for the guardian
to use at home.
Many excellent
books are available on the subject and information is abundant
on the World Wide Web. Anyone interested in a career in
animal massage should begin by spending time with animals.
It is important to understand anatomy, physiology, biomechanics
and massage techniques relevant to the type of animal you
wish to work with. Most animal massage training programs
offer these topics as well as animal behavior, first aid
and handling, proper stretching techniques and related subjects.
For information on animal massage in your area consult the
Department of Health or your local veterinarian, or contact
an Animal Massage Therapist through IAATH’s membership
directory.
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