What is Canine Myotherapy?

Canine Myotherapy is a specialised clinical form of targeted massage designed to manage muscular pain and inflammation associated with a variety of common conditions. By using a series of tailored techniques, it helps address and support canine mobility issues, treating muscular injuries and compensatory problems that may arise.

Incorporating myotherapy alongside exercise plans and lifestyle management creates a holistic approach to care. Our goal is to enhance performance, optimise muscle function, and promote recovery for your dog.

Myotherapy focuses on:

• Promoting muscle and soft tissue health

• Treating injuries caused by trauma

• Myofascial release

• Weight loading and postural issues

• Lameness, muscular tension, and cramps

• Compensatory issues from chronic conditions or trauma

• Integrated palliative care
  

What issues can myotherapy help with?

By addressing secondary and compensatory issues, myotherapy can be a key part of an effective management program for the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis

• Hip Dysplasia

• Subluxating Patellas

• Elbow Dysplasia

• OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)

• Cruciate Issues

• Spondylitis

• CDM (Canine Degenerative Myelopathy)

• Soft Tissue Injuries

• Repetitive Strain Injuries

• Ongoing Lameness

• Whiplash from Impact at Speed

• Compensatory Issues

• Prehab and Rehabilitation

My dog doesn’t have any of the issues listed above, can Myotherapy benefit him/her?

If your dog is healthy and free from underlying musculoskeletal conditions, they can benefit from regular maintenance treatments to keep them moving at their best. Ongoing sessions can also help identify potential issues early, preventing them from becoming more serious problems.

Myotherapy is also highly effective as pre- and post-event therapy for canine athletes and working dogs. It helps maximise muscle function, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of injury. Incorporating myotherapy into their warm-up and cool-down routines can improve recovery and maintain optimal muscle health, ensuring your dog stays in peak condition.

How often will my dog need treatments?

For dogs with musculoskeletal conditions, we recommend a course of three myotherapy sessions to achieve the maximum benefit. These initial sessions should be spaced about two weeks apart. After the first three sessions, we suggest scheduling a session every four to six weeks to monitor your dog's progress and ensure they continue moving well for as long as possible.

How do I arrange a treatment for my dog?

You can go to our online shop and purchase a canine massage session there. Once we have received your purchase, we will contact you to make arrangements for our first session.

Alternatively, you can go to the appointments page and choose the date and time that suits you best for your first session.

*Please note that we must have vet consent before we can treat your dog.

Why do I need my vet’s consent for you to treat my dog?

While the Veterinary Council of Ireland does not have specific regulations for canine massage, it is governed by broader veterinary laws. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 2015, veterinary approval is required before any manipulative therapy can be administered to an animal.