Lending A Hand to Our Pets’ Health
“MASSAGE AND REHABILITATION”

by Michael Holloway

    Pets are important members of our families and their health and well being is of the utmost importance.  Health care today for humans has many alternative options available including most commonly acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage and kinesiology.  In the last few years, veterinary care has begun to apply these forms of treatment to our pets.  Pet owners are starting to realize that the therapies, which have worked for themselves, bringing much needed relief from pain, restricted movement, can be used for their pets.  Our pets deserve the best care we can find to give them along with nutrition, exercise, toys, vitamins and supplements.
    My name is Michael Holloway a licensed massage therapist in Florida.  I expanded my practice to encompass the companion animal when I realized that they were forgotten when it came to rehabilitation.  When called out to see a pet, the first visit consists of a comprehensive assessment, which takes up to 1 1/2 hours  to complete.  The assessment consists of the history of the pet’s health, injuries, surgeries, previous treatments and a brief description of why the pet is being seen now.  To be as efficient as possible, a detailed exam through observation, palpation and manipulation is used to give the best assessment of injury and course of treatment.  Consultation with the attending veterinarian may be necessary to confirm the extent of injury or the path of recovery that will complement the veterinary care.
    During recovery from surgery/injury the posture of the animal is sometimes altered resulting in the redistribution of weight bearing on the limbs and strain on the spinal column.  Along with the treatment for the primary problem there will be secondary compensation injuries that need attention due to the redistribution of weight bearing.  Secondary injuries can be shoulder pain from over exertion when the pet is struggling to rise and the primary problem is their lowback or hips reducing their mobility.
First Visit
    The assessment will begin with viewing the position and angle of the nails, nail beds, toe angulation and dew claws, noting any abnormalities.  I observe the position of the elbows and shoulder an note whether they are close too or too far away from the body.   Check the height differences and the bilateral equanimity of the shoulders.  Next I observe the shape of the chest, the position of the head, again noting any abnormalities.  Examination of the rear limbs will be done in similar fashion.
    Superior viewing for examination purposes will show alignment deviations within the spinal structure also shoulder and hip joints.  I begin by looking at the head and neck position determining if there is any rotation or tipping of the head or angular pulling in the neck which could tell me there is some cervical trauma or injury.  Shoulders of the pet should be equal in size and shape with good muscle tone and contour.  Moving down the back, the saddle area shall also have good muscle tone and smooth contours being level and straight.  The ribcage should be checked for symmetry noting any protrusions, concave or convex shape or any other abnormalities.  The backbone or spine is checked for contour and the absence of scoliosis or other spinal deformities.  Hips will be examined and checked for size, shape and form in the same way as the shoulders were examined.

Calming
     I begin the massage therapy treatment now by calming the animal with some opening techniques such as rocking, stroking or holding the right hand over the heart.  Each pet is different so I have to be patient with them spending more time in the rocking and quieting of them until they feel safe and secure for me to continue.

Assessment
    When the animal has begun to settle into the session, palpations will be made from the base of the skull down the spine disc by disc.  During the process of palpating the animal you will be feeling for structural deviations, muscular knots, spasms and cording in the muscle tissue.  I observe the physical reactions of the pet when these palpation’s are being done trying to locate trouble areas.  Simple muscle twitching concerned glances from the pet, licking, chewing, biting and avoidance can demonstrate pain and discomfort by moving away from my hands.  All of these reactions, signs and responses are recorded according to bony landmarks on the body during evaluation.  Range of motion will be also tested to understand the animals limitations in movement and in the designing a treatment plan.  The range of motion of the pets head, neck and all limbs are tested for extension, flexion, lateral rotation, clockwise rotation and counter clockwise rotation noting all findings in degrees starting from a neutral position to the furthest non-forced distance the pets body can go.

Massage
    I then begin the massage with light effleruge (long gliding) strokes advancing to circular friction, ever deepening as I proceed to loosen muscle tissue, tendon and ligament.  This initial loosening of the body is important for the next portion of the stretching treatment.  Every pet is different and each treatment will always be customized to the pet’s level of acceptance and condition.  Further treatments after the first session can include trigger point work for pain, muscle stripping for tight muscles, friction for knotting and lymph drainage for swelling.

Stretching
    After all the testing and massage has been completed, isolated assistive stretching is next.  These stretches will retrain and teach the pet’s tight muscles, tendon and ligaments to return to their normal or proper length, elasticity and flexibility.  Based on the training and knowledge of the therapist, additional treatments like Reiki and Healing touch can be used to accelerate the healing process along with healing the pet’s emotional and psychological traumas.

Closing
    Closing the session is similar to the opening by taking the animal back into a relaxed and sedative state.  Massage Reiki, Healing touch, stretching will alter the brainwave patterns in the pet slowing the waves inducing deep relaxation. Massage and rehabilitation for the pets can assist in treating surgical and injury recovery, hip dysplasia, arthritis, nerve damage, back/disc problems, fear/phobias and most importantly ease the aging process for geriatric pets.

Biography
    Pet Massage Rehabilitation Services, Inc. is owned and operated by Michael Holloway a Licensed Massage Therapist, he practices in Boca Raton, Florida, USA.  The business is a mobile-based operation going to the home of the pet or to the veterinarian office.  Michael also conducts lectures and teaching seminars to educate the pet owner in the basics of massage therapy for their pet.

Write or Call:    PET MASSAGE REHABILITATION SERVICES, INC.
           540 NE 45th STREET    SUITE 11
           BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, 33431 USA
           561-393-4732 OFFICE
           561-393-1765 FACSIMILE
           petmas2193@aol.com  E-MAIL
           http://www.petmassage-rehab.com WEB SITE


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