PAWSitive Animal Massage

Volume ☝️ Bones snoring during his massage #greatdane #relaxation #doglover #caninemassage #seniordog #arthritisawareness

This is Tator and I just adore him. I have been working with him for awhile now and today was our best session! He has severe pain in his hips and is hesitant on having any work done from his lumbar spine through his legs. He is constantly needing to move around and shift his weight for the entire hour. Most of my work with him is done by me walking with him and massaging. It is rare if I can get him to lay still for more than a few minutes. But today was different and something amazing happened; he relaxed completely and trusted me to very gently work on his right leg/hip area. This boy was all smiles and I cannot tell you how incredibly full my heart is right now. To be able to bring this level of comfort to an animal is the best feeling. I am so blessed!! #lovewhatyoudo #caninemassagetherapy #relaxation #FollowYourHeart #doglover #seniordog #arthritisawareness #followyourdreams #fortheloveofanimals

Lexi Lu you have taught me so much along my journey as a massage practitioner. You are so precious to me and you were such a pleasure to work with. I am so thankful I met you and your mama and I will forever remember your sassy looks as well as your fully relaxed ones as well. You brought so many of us happiness just by being in your presence. We will all miss you but we ALL know on the other side of that rainbow is nothing but pain free bliss packed full with endless treats, toys and LOVE. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU little Lexi Lu!! 🌈 🐾 💕

Bones was completely relaxed and busy sawing logs 💕🐾 #lovewhatyoudo #relaxation #doglover #caninemassagetherapist #danelife #seniordog #massagetherapy

Morty is no longer mad at his mama. He was completely passed out to the point he was drooling and eyes were very open. I honestly didn’t realize he was in that deep of sleep until his head fell forward (right before I took the video). This deep relaxation took place within 10 minutes of me working on his head and neck. For those of you who don’t know Morty, he is a very high strung, wild boy. We warn new visitors to not worry about the dogs but to absolutely steer clear of the cat. To see him this relaxed is completely blowing my mind right now! Never has this ever happened.

Tanner has a maintenance massage every two weeks. Last week mom reached out to have a session sooner because she began limping. During her massage, she began having muscle spasms on the side she had been limping on. A muscle spasm is a muscle involuntarily contacting. Mild spasms usually are not painful but without a release of the contractions, they can quickly turn into a very painful muscle cramp. Compression and circular friction completely stopped the spasming and Tanner drifted off to sleep.

You never know what little rescues you’ll see at Soiled to Spoiled animal grooming Soooooo precious #springtime #babyducks

Everyone this is Gus, the SWEETEST boy ever. He loved his first massage and within moments was showing me his tummy begging for tummy scratches. He really needs someone to bring him home and give him the life he deserves. He is so friendly and has a permasmile that melts your heart! He does need a home without chickens, and may be selective with cats. If you’re looking for a big, cuddly, protector… Gus is your boy!!! Please come meet him… there is no adoption fee through the 8th, so what do you have to lose? Take a chance on this sweet boy and enhance his quality of life. They are absolutely amazing here at the Humane Society of Cowlitz County but his life one on one with you would be a dream come true! Trust me, if I could…I would!

Tanner is aways relaxed after her massage, but today she took it to another level. Usually when I work in an area for awhile before I move on to the next area I gently stretch that area first. She lets me but not for long as she pulls back her limb. But today she was so relaxed she fell asleep completely 😂 #caninemassagetherapy #relaxation #lovewhatyoudo #ilovemyjob

The first time I met Tanner, she trembled in fear when I moved near her. She was not aggressive but she was terrified. She was injured and would not let me anywhere near her hind limb. She continued to be very nervous with each session but allowed me to do more and more each time. She now has enough trust in me that I am able to work on her at any area on her, whether it be an ouchie spot or just her ears (which this is the latest development!!). Today she greeted me with such excitement and it made my day! How did I ever get so lucky to have such a rewarding career? I am beyond blessed. #caninemassagetherapist #ilovemyjob #pitbulllife #dogsofinstagram

This is Tanner’s biweekly maintenance massage. She is such a pleasure to work with and so adorable! #caninemassagetherapy #pitbulllife #lovewhatyoudo

Effleurage, Petrissage and Friction strokes. Healthy fascia maintenance

Buddy, can you get any cuter?? 🐾💕 Effleurage, Petrissage, and Friction strokes #caninemassagetherapy #chihuahualove

What is effleurage? It is a relaxing massage technique used to open, close, and transition to other techniques. It is meant to be soothing while it helps drain bodily fluids such as blood and lymph. It boosts circulation by increasing cell membrane permeability. This happens when heat is introduced to the cells and they begin to expand by becoming thinner. When this happens, the cell can absorb nutrients easier and can release waste products more efficiently. Light and slow is soothing. It is what I use when I’m looking for unhealthy tissue such as hot/cool/swollen/stiff muscles/or hidden wounds. Using heavy pressure and moving slowly increases blood and lymph circulation while soothing the nervous system. Heavy pressure and moving quickly really increases circulation and perks up muscles before an exercise. Because it can be overstimulating, this speed/pressure is usually used in a smaller area. #englishmastiff #caninemassagetherapy #massagetherapist #lovewhatyoudo