Thermal imaging before the treatment allows us to objectively identify muscular imbalances and monitor treatment programs.

An alternative to the traditional manual form of spinal manipulation, ANMR (also known as Neuro-Muscular Release) is a form of spinal adjustment using a small instrument to correct structural misalignment and dysfunctioning joints. This technique:

• Aids in restoring proper communication between the spinal segment and the brain

• Correct the alignment of joints and vertebrae to relieve pain

• Releases tight muscles

• Reduce muscle spasms

CVT is a scientifically proven technology that stimulates the lymphatic system and blood circulation.  A good circulation system is one of the keys to maintaining good health. Both the Accell therapy bed and handheld device emits a multi-directional massage that dramatically improves circulation.  CVT will benefit a number of conditions such as

• Arthritis

• Muscle and joint stiffness

• Wound healing

• Before and after event warm-up

• After event soreness

Also known as cold laser, therapeutic laser and low level laser therapy, laser therapy is a safe , painless and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Laser therapy is an effective alternative for dogs for whom analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective or produce negative side-effects.  For example dogs on long term use of steroids are ideal candidates for laser therapy as it is less invasive and with many similar anti-inflammatory benefits. Laser therapy:

• Is an effective pain relief

• Speeds up tissue repair and regeneration

• Increases production of endorphins, natural body painkillers

• Increases Vascularization: Laser therapy increases blood flow to the tissues which assists wound healing

• Improves circulation

Commonly used in traditional chinese medicine, Guasha is a very effective way to break up adhesions in the fascia using a specially designed tool. 

TENS works by sending low level currents to an injured muscles, stimulating it and forcing it to contract.  In arthritic dogs, TENS can stimulate stiff muscles to support the joint and suppress the athritic pain signals to the brain.  TENS is an effective pain reliever. It helps the body produce endorphines, hormones that act as natural pain killers. 

Fancy words for remedial massage, some of the benefits of CMT include:

• A calming effect on the animal which helps prepare them mentally and physically for the ANMR session

• Increases mobility and flexibility of the musculoskeletal system

• Reduces muscle tension and fatigue

• Improves blood circulation for healthy muscle and bone

• Lengthens connective tissue for efficient muscle performance

• Improves mobility and flexibility

A trigger point is a hyper-irritable taut band of muscle that is tender and painful.  When an animal suffers myofascial trigger points, in addition to pain and muscular dysfunction, it would have limited range of motion and weakness. Unfortunately trigger points do not show up using current imaging methods. We identify trigger points through palpation and deactivate them using a variety of methods such as acupressure, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and the ANMR instrument.

Emmett therapists have been compared to ‘electricians who have the knowledge to locate critical points and re-set them with stimulation.’ This is a very gentle therapy that involves the application of light finger pressure at specific points, referred to as “Emmett points”. The result is often instantaneous.

This is a stretchy, hypoallergenic, athletic tape that lifts the skin and underlying muscles leading to increased blood flow and reducing inflammation and pain. Unlike conventional taping, which prevents movement, Canine Rocktape allows full movement of a taped area.  Its properties distribute forces to other nearby areas. Rocktape is water resistant and can be worn for up to 5 days. Canine Rocktape is useful for:

• Prolonging the effects of your therapy session

• Muscle sprains, tears and stiffness

• Stabilizing unstable joints such as luxating patellas

• Agility dogs - the tape increases proprioception and delays muscle fatique

• Decreasing pain

• Drains swelling and reduces bruising

ARTHRITIS, HIP & ELBOW DYSPLASIA

Have you noticed your dog slowing down? Is your dog stiff or sore during or after exercise? Are they reluctant to participate in activities that used to make them happy?

A dog’s bones are held together with muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  About 80 percent of a joint’s protection comes from the stabilizing ability of the muscles and tendons (tendons link muscle to bone); whilst ligaments (the tissue linking bone to bone) contribute only about 20 percent.  So to keep your dog comfortable, it is important that their muscles are in good shape to support the degeneration and inflammation in the joints.

The therapy itself will not cure arthritis or dysplastic joints.  It provides relief from pain by targeting the stiff muscles that place unnecessary pressure on the already stressed joints. Our therapies relax the stiff muscles and restore the dog's range of motion.

PUPPIES

Puppies injure very easily.  Their muscles aren’t fully formed yet and they tend to overexert themselves wrestling with each other. Overexertion of a muscle can cause a tear or stretch the muscle too far. 

Muscle sprains are one of the more common injuries seen in puppies.  Rough-housing and trauma are the main cause of most muscle sprains in puppies. Regular treatments will detect any muscular issues before they become an issue. 

We will treat any muscular issues before they cause a permanent imbalance. This is especially important for large and giant breed puppies who go through rapid growth spurts. 

Start a muscular maintenance and conditioning program early in your dog’s life so that you can enjoy many more walks and outdoor activities with them well into their golden years.

PERFORMANCE DOGS

Show, agility, retrieving, dock dogs - muscle therapy will enhance the performance of dogs competing in any sport.  The bodies of dogs in competitive sports must function at peak level like an elite human athlete.

Regular muscle therapy, ‘tune-ups’  and conditioning exercises will keep their bodies fit and balanced; and should form an important part of their exercise and recovery program. Canine sports injuries are increasingly common (usually because athletic dogs tend to overwork muscles), but there is much you can do to reduce the risk of your dog getting hurt, needing surgery, or having to retire from competition. 

COMPANION DOGS

Dogs who slip, slide, run into things and roughhouse with other dogs are prime candidates for muscular injuries. The injuries aren’t always obvious. Dogs are stoic creatures and are very good at hiding injuries. As a result, we seldom realize that dogs are in pain until the damage is serious.  Left unchecked a small injury can morph into something more serious.

Take a proactive approach - don’t wait until your dog shows obvious signs of lameness. Regular appointments will detect any muscular issues before they become an issue.

POST-PARTUM BITCHES

During the prenatal period physical and hormonal changes occur which can affect the musculoskeletal system.  These changes include altered posture, shortened muscles, potential muscle imbalances, as well as changes in spinal mobility and bony alignment. Despite these bodily changes I do not recommend that pregnant bitches have any muscular treatment in the first and third trimester.  Muscular treatments can begin in the postpartum phase. 

Similar to the prenatal period, during the postpartum phase, physical and hormonal changes can affect the musculoskeletal system. Atrophied muscle, spinal imbalances and weak core muscles are common physical states in the bitch after whelping a litter.  Speak to us about restoring balance to your bitch's musculoskeletal system and a conditioning exercise program to rebuild your bitch's body and help her stay strong and healthy.