Veterinary Massage Therapy

What is massage therapy?

As a form of rehabilitation, massage therapy is the application of specific hand movements on a patient to improve muscle and joint function by relieving tension, spasm, or other restrictions to proper motion.

• It may be used for warm-up, for relaxing or stimulating muscles to prevent injury, or for rehabilitation after an injury. 
• It may be used to compensate for impaired circulation by augmenting the normal flow of blood and lymphatic fluid. 
• It may be used to try to stimulate the function of various internal organs by relaxing tense fascia/connective tissue on the body’s surface that connects to internal organs. These tense areas are often called trigger points.

What is the history of massage therapy in veterinary medicine?

While the desire to touch animals seems innate in humans, massage therapy has been adopted relatively recently in veterinary medicine and borrows heavily from techniques used in human massage therapy. A few of the more common techniques include trigger-point massage, acupressure, and friction massage.

On which animal species is massage therapy practiced regularly?

Sports massage (massage for athletes to prevent injury) is used widely to prevent injury in horses and other animals engaging in sport. Massage may be recommended during rehabilitation therapy for certain injuries and orthopedic procedures, as well as for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. 

Who practices veterinary massage therapy, and do I need a referral?

Effective massage techniques and applications can be quite specialized and require additional training, such as that done by veterinary rehabilitation therapists. Acupressure often requires some formal training in acupuncture theory. Specific courses in veterinary massage therapy are available to help veterinarians learn trigger point therapy, sports massage, and friction massage. Massage on animals may also be performed by a licensed massage therapist in accordance with state or provincial veterinary laws. Collaborate with your pet’s veterinarian for the best care.

What conditions are treated with massage therapy?

Both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries may respond to massage therapy, especially as a complement (an addition) to other forms of treatment. When massage therapy is used for rehabilitation, the patient's treatment must be preceded by a veterinary examination and complete diagnosis, including assessment of any other health concerns.

How can my companion animal benefit from massage therapy?

When performed as part of a comprehensive treatment package, massage therapy may minimize injuries and enhance the patient's recovery speed. Animals with decreased mobility from chronic injuries may benefit from massage therapy, with improved range of motion and/or decreased pain. Massage may increase circulation and nerve stimulation where it is applied and also internally, in any reflexively associated organs.

How successful is massage therapy?

The success of massage therapy is difficult to measure or validate except when evaluated through controlled clinical trials. Such research is currently lacking in veterinary medicine. The current acceptance of massage therapy as a way to promote faster recovery from injuries is largely based on clinical experience.

How safe is massage therapy?

When performed by a trained professional, massage therapy is extremely safe. If it is done incorrectly, massage can cause or intensify pain or muscle spasms, resulting in worsening of the original condition or in secondary injuries. Massage therapy must never be performed on open or infected wounds, on torn muscles, on joints affected by inflammatory arthritis, or if the patient has a fever or a bleeding disorder.

Can massage therapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?

Massage therapy integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If a non-veterinary massage therapist is used, the veterinarian and massage therapist must communicate to combine their knowledge and skill to develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

If your companion animal is receiving massage therapy from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment so they can provide coordinated care of your pet, properly evaluate treatment, and minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences.