Kreature Care

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Sports Message Therapy

By admin in Uncategorized
Dec
1
 

Sport Massage Therapy (SMT)

Need For Massage | Benefit of Massage | Contraindications

Massage for humans dates back many centuries. Its benefits speak for themselves and need no elaboration. Massage for animals only began gaining credence in the last decade with the advent of alternative and holistic healthcare. Today, sports massage therapy techniques had changed and improved with times. It now plays an important part in prevention therapy and injury recovery.

At Kreature Care, our core focus is Sports Massage Therapy, developed by the Russians and first adopted by the U.S. Equestrian Team in the Summer Olympics of 1972. The therapy subsequently found its way into racetracks throughout the east and show barns throughout the country. Canine sports massage therapy was developed following the positive results in the equine market.

The essential difference between sports massage and other techniques is that SMT focuses on the cause of muscle injuries and muscle therapy.

Sports massage is used universally as a pre-event, post-event and maintenance therapy for both humans and animals involved in athletic competition.

Massage therapy is gaining acceptance and support from veterinarians worldwide, not only because of its results, but also because of the increasing belief in the benefits of holistic treatment of medical problems.

Many professionals had incorporated equine and canine SMT into their animals’ total health care regime to resolve any sports-related and accidental injuries.

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  Need For MassageMassage proved to be valuable in cases of injuries and diseases, old age ailments, promoting general good health, relief of tired and sore muscles, as well as correction of hereditary conditions.When does your animal need a massage?

1. When they are injured or had gone through surgery
2. When they are old
3. When they are born of certain breeds and have hereditary conditions which hamper growth
4. Pre-event massage
5. Post-event massage

Injury and Post-operation Recuperation
Muscles are the workhorses of the body. When they are injured, pain and inflammation occurs.

Chemical substances like histamines and lactic acid are released into muscle cells causing abnormal contraction, tension and spasms, which restricts normal free movement.

Animals compensate by holding their bodies differently causing new stresses on their bones and joints. Eventually, unable to bear weight on the limbs, the animal will begin to limp.

Subsequently, the animals will develop unnatural holding patterns as a result of the trauma or injuries suffered. Emotional unbalances, like fear could induce holding patterns too.

Massage will help:

• Relax injured muscles and restore them to their original positions and elasticity.
• Restore proper movements.
• Provide relief and freedom from unnatural holding patterns and pain.
• Loosen and soften scar tissues.
• Eliminate behavioural problems resulting from fear and trauma.
• Expedite the healing process in between vet visits.

There are no side effects compared to giving medication over a long term.

Old age
Arthritis and rheumatism are common in senior animals. Massage will:

• Reduce pain and muscle tension, eliminating need for potent drugs
• Decelerate the degenerative process
• Increase circulation, flexibility and muscle tone
• Prevent atrophy in inactive muscles

Hereditary problems
Unusual body conformations like the Dachshund’s long body and short legs and the Great Dane’s fast growth spurts, put stress on their spines, muscles, joints and legs. Hip dysplasia and other conditions could result, eventually reducing flexibility.

Massage creates structural balance at vulnerable places where the vertebrae changes shape or direction.

Although it’s hard to change what’s natural, massage could improve the animals’ flexibility and enhance proper alignment during their growth stage.

Behavioural Problems
With regular massages, shy and guarded animals will become more trusting, energetic and “neurotic” ones more calm.

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Contraindications

With the numerous benefits, many might be tempted to run out immediately and arrange a massage session for their beloved four-legged friends, but there are a few situations where massage will be counterproductive instead.

Sports massage therapy helps in instances of a quick pain or sore ache in the muscles during a particular movement.

But when there is an intense, persistent internal pain, this may indicate a life threatening situation and a vet should be consulted immediately!

As massage speeds up metabolism and blood circulation in the body, do not attempt to massage in the following situations and call the vet immediately.

Shock When in shock, massaging will lower the animal’s
blood pressure further.
Fever
(above 39°C)		 Fever is the body’s way of fighting infection. Massage speeds
up metabolism and blood circulation, leading to further temperature
increase.
Cancer* Massage could spread a condition that may be isolated due to improved
circulation.
Post surgery Overall massage would speed up the healing process, but incision
areas should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.
Acute trauma – torn muscles with internal bleeding To use ice in the beginning to sooth the condition. Massage can
only resume at least 72 hours later.
Infectious diseases and problems Do not massage an animal when it has infectious diseases and
conditions like fungal skin problems, strangles, herpes, influenza,
pneumonia
Others - Severe forms of functional nervous disease
- Acute arthritis and rheumatism
- Acute nerve problems or nerve irritation following a bad stretch
or injury

*Judgemental: owners might still want to give their animal friends a pampering session during the last few years of their life. Written advice from vets regarding cancer is encouraged.

When in doubt whether a massage will be beneficial to the animal in an abnormal situation, always consult a veterinarian.

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