MASSAGE AND BODYWORK utilizes various massage techniques, acupressure, opposition stretches, and active release techniques to restore and/or maintain an animal’s maximum functional capabilities and flexibility. Through an understanding of overall structure, balance, and movement, the entire animal is considered, not just a specific area of soreness.

What massage can do:
• increase circulation & oxygenation to the cells of the body
• expedite removal of wastes & toxins
• stimulate the immune system
• decrease pain, soreness & stiffness
• restore supple muscle tone
• improve muscle function
• increase flexibility & range of motion
• improve socialization skills

Conditions that can benefit from massage and bodywork include:
• compensatory patterns due to structural imbalances/poor conformation
• orthopedic diseases (e.g. hip dysplasia)
• postoperative healing
• sports injuries
• arthritis
• hindquarter weakness
• aging and inactivity
• behavioral issues (fear, anxiety, insecurities)

TUI-NA is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a manual therapy that utilizes numerous massage, acupressure, physiotherapy and osseous manipulations which are applied to acupuncture points and meridians to prevent and treat diseases.

Tui-na works by:
• regulating acupoints and meridians
• soothing joints, ligaments and tendons
• promoting circulation of Qi (energy) and Blood
• balancing internal (Zang Fu) organs
• strengthening the body's resistance

Tui-na techniques have been used successfully in the treatment of :
• musculoskeletal conditions – neck, shoulder, back, hip, stifle (knee), hock pain; ligament and tendon weakness, arthritis
• neurological conditions – nerve paralysis, hemiplegia, epilepsy, Wobbler’s
• Wei Syndrome (muscle wasting and general weakness)
• Bi Syndrome (pain and stiffness in muscles, tendons, bones, and joints)
• hindquarter weakness


REIKI is the universal life force energy that permeates all beings and is present in all of nature. It offers a safe, painless, non-invasive energy healing system. Reiki supports the body’s own healing abilities by strengthening and balancing the flow of energy throughout the different body systems. Reiki can heal at all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Reiki always works to the highest good for the animal, therefore no harm can result from any Reiki treatment. It goes directly to the source of the problem most in need of healing, which is sometimes unknown, even to the practitioner.

It is especially effective for emotional pain and distress by assisting animals to let go of past negative experiences and memories. This can ease the transition of newly adopted rescue or shelter animals into their new homes.

It can also be very useful in preparing animals preoperatively for surgery and with postoperative healing.

Animals that prefer not to be touched can still experience the positive healing energy of Reiki, as Reiki treatments can be given (and are just as effective) from a distance.

Reiki also offers supports to the entire family, human and animal alike, when the loss of a beloved pet is imminent. When Reiki is given at or near the time of passing, it can bring emotional and spiritual healing to all involved, as well as acceptance and relief from pain and fear for the animal.

COLD LASER THERAPY The Microlight ML830® is an FDA approved, noninvasive, infrared (invisible) laser, also known as a "cold laser". In contrast to surgical or cosmetic lasers that produce heat and thermo-destructive laser energy, it produces no harm to cells/tissues. Cold lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years with clinical studies demonstrating medical efficacy and safety.

Cold laser treatments are painless - there is no vibration, pulsating shock, or heat. The only sensation felt is that of the laser head as it comes in contact with the skin, yet the ML830® penetrates deeply - approximately 2 inches with a lateral spread of 1 inch (a result of its 830 nanometer wavelength, shown to be the optimal wavelength in clinical studies).

The light energy penetrates into cells and reacts with receptors called chromophores. The reaction produces an increase in the cellular metabolism rate, which accelerates cell repair and stimulation of the immune, lymphatic and vascular systems. The net result is reduction in pain, inflammation, edema, and an overall reduction in healing time.

In addition, research studies have noted the following: increased collagen production, increased microcirculation, accelerated tissue and bone repair, enhanced nerve regeneration, increased enzyme response, increased endorphin release.

Many acute & chronic conditions may be improved or eliminated with use of the laser:

  • Arthritis / joint pain / elbow and hip dysplasia
  • Herniated and bulging discs in neck or spine
  • Muscle pain / spasms
  • Nerve root pain
  • Traumatic injuries (muscle sprains, nerve damage, lameness, swelling, bruising)
  • Wound healing (postoperative incisions, hot spots, and lick granulomas)
  • Reduction in size of lipomata (fatty tumors)
  • Skin issues (eczema, dermatitis, hot spots)
  • An excellent alternative for dogs & cats who don't tolerate acupuncture or handling well
The number of treatments depends upon the severity of the condition and its duration.

There are no known side effects from administration of cold laser therapy, though it is contraindicated for ophthalmology and oncology.

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE “EFT” is an energy therapy that uses intention and stimulation of the meridians to re-train neural pathways.

This theory is based on the premise that negative emotions can cause disturbances in the body’s energy pathways, which can then manifests as physical, behavioral and/or emotional ailments.

EFT may be helpful for the following:

• Emotional issues: fears, phobias, traumatic memories, grief
• Behavioral issues: excessive barking, aggression
• Physical ailments: most may have an emotional root

Massage, TuiNa, Reiki, Cold Laser Therapy and EFT, in conjunction with conventional and holistic therapies, especially acupuncture and chiropractic, can produce a better outcome with longer lasting relief of symptoms. This results in a healthier, happier animal. Depending on your pet's specific needs, one or more of these therapies will be incorporated into each session.

• 30, 45 and 60 minute sessions
• Office appointments and house calls available


Please contact Ann for an appointment at:
Telephone 619-980-5405
Email: ann@healinghandscaninemassage.com
 
Please note that the above services are not a substitute for proper
veterinary care. If your animal appears to be sick or injured please see
your veterinarian as soon as possible.