Mydog Myotherapy

17/03/2024

There is only one thing to do on a rainy Sunday morning and that's massage your dog. Caswell clearly enjoying his back being massaged.

08/12/2023

Follow this boys journey with me over the next few weeks. He is such a sweet and kind natured dog with the most gorgeous coat!

Rufus is an 11 year old Romanian rescue dog that has lived with his current owners for the last 10 years. It is understood he was struck by car at some point whilst living in Romania. He also has a lot of quirks and is somewhat different to other dogs from a cognitive point of view. This make Rufus very endearing.

Roll on several years... Rufus was running around like any well balanced dog.

From around 9 years old his mobility stated to deteriorate. He can no longer climb stairs or get on the sofa for cuddles. Walks are very short and prolonged time wise.

Veterinary scans and examinations are unremarkable (no specific reason found). He also has severe reactions to most painkillers.

Physical assessment has found he has weak hind end, needs to build the gluteal (bum) muscles and has a lot of tension along his back, around his shoulders and neck. This is because he has changed his postural stance to off load weight from the hind and onto the front.

Rufus took to his first massage session very well - however he was guarding his right side so his lovely owners will need to work on his right between my sessions. His hind limbs, specifically his hamstrings are so tender he would only allow for passive touch. It can take time as some dogs are so sensitive. Going in full steam is not an option.

Rufus has been given some starter exercises to assist proprioception and joint movement. Although he has weak hind muscles, it can be more beneficial to unwind other areas before addressing others.

31/10/2023

Looking forward to attending an Advanced Myofascial Manipulation course in a month.
Never stop learning and developing

31/10/2023

I have finally gained my level 5 diploma in canine rehabilitation exercise prescription. This will compliment the massage and soft tissue therapy I currently provide. This allows me to provide a full treatment package for my lovely K9 clients.

02/09/2023

Dog carts and prams are such a valuable and wonderful tool to keep your dog mentally active and enjoying life. Seeing people, getting affection and being able to absorb the smells and sounds of life is what dogs enjoy and should be exposed to to fulfil their needs of being a dog.
Here we have young and old. The former is a few months old and cannot nor should walk the same distance as the older dog in the household. He can still enjoy being out and be exposed to life.
The latter is elderly with mobility issues. She pops out the cart for local sniffs then gets back in for the rest of the walk.
Some people see prams as daft. I will never understand this and will be happy to look daft in some people's eyes if it allows my dog to continue to be part of life and to enjoy it.

26/08/2023

Extra kisses, cuddles and raspberry blowing on your dogs belly today.

20/07/2023

This handsome boy is now 3 years old. He had a digit removed from his front paw at one. The paw does cause him issues from time to time and is arthritic, causing an intermittent limp (depending on what his activity level has been). Today was a bad day. He choose to hold his limb in an elevated position to avoid placing his paw on the ground. This is exactly what starts compensatory issues. The opposite forelimb is taking the weight of two limbs. In an ideal balanced dog, each forelimb should maintain 30% body weight. His body weight will also start to shift to the rear limbs once the unaffected leg starts to fatigue or become uncomfortable. Eventually muscles in the neck and shoulders will become unbalanced, start to ni**le and cause mild pain responses which is known as chronic pain when present for many weeks. There is a high chance his hindlimb and muscles towards his rear end will over time also become unbalanced and uncomfortable. Massaging is so important to starve off these compensatory issues developing. Nothing can be done to fix his paw but treating the remaining soft tissue will make his life more comfortable in the long run.

15/05/2023

I will be starting a new masage clinic at SPLASH PAWS HYDROTHERAPY, Staplehurst, TN12 from June. Working alongside other therapies to offer your most loved dog the best treatment and choices under one roof.
Ring me for more details or to arrange an appointment.

05/03/2023

This is Bella. She was thrown out a van window and kicked like a football at 6 months old....yet she forgave humans and still loves us. A picture tells a thousand words. She is enjoying a Galen Myotherapy massage to help her arthritis.

25/01/2023

15/10/2022

800 Year Old Oak Tree 🤩😱🤯

05/10/2022

IF YOUR DOG:
finds it difficult or has stopped doing daily activities they used to do with ease,
has started so show signs of stiffness,
started to get short tempered with other dogs,
moves away or ducks to avoid being stroked,
changed posture or body shape,
changes in coat quality
started to stand with a wide stance,
been in an accident or injury,
or, anything you just cannot put your finger on that's different.....

then give me a call or message me. Dogs suffer postural and muscle issues exactly the same as humans. We can choose to go to a sports massage therapist to get our ni**les sorted. Dogs don't have a voice to tell us what's wrong. We as owners need to see what they are telling us. Just three massage sessions can (and in nearly all cases does) make the world of difference to a dog. Many owners get to enjoy their dog participating in activities again and looking more at ease.
What is there to lose? Many insurance companies cover dog massage as it comes under the umbrella of physiotherapy and is classed as a vet referral.