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Massage Therapy

© Barbara Lombardi

Sometimes a holistic approach works best with animals. A massage is helpful to soothe overworked, tired muscles, not to mention to make your pet very happy. Massage therapy cannot cure a serious disease, but it can help relax your pet's muscles and lower bolood presssure.

Let's face it, who wouldn't want a massage? With humans there are many different methods that can be used; the same goes for pets. Here are a few of the more common types of massage:

1. Long, slow strokes 2. Kneading and rolling muscles 3. Steady pressure across muscles fibers without moving across the skin 4. Drumming hands over broad areas of the body

Warm or cold treatments may be used in conjunction with the massage and you can either massage an affected area or across the whole body.

Massage encourages healing by promoting blood flow, relieving tension, stimulating nerves, and stretching and loosening muscles. It may enhance the immune system and lower blood pressure.

Massage should feel good, and the physical contact should be enjoyed by your pet. If for some reason the pet does not like the hands-on contact, then stop. Keep your pet healthy and happy with a routine muscle massage.

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