Massage is the manipulation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissues of the body.  It also supports and resolves issues in the musculoskeletal system.  The same techniques used in human massage are applied safely and effectively in animals. Massage is a natural method of managing your animal's health and prolonging quality of life.

 No, that is a job for your veterinarian. Massage is never used to diagnose or treat pain or injury, or prescribe or administer treatment of any nature for the prevention or relief of bodily injury.

Massage can increase comfort and promote joint mobility in older dogs, and can quickly acclimate puppies to human touch. Using massage on post-operative dogs can shorten recovery time, and dogs with emotional issues often relax after massage sessions. Competitive canines enjoy improved athletic performance, and even dogs without any specific health problems benefit from maintenance massages.

The frequency really depends on a number of factors, including: the animals age, workload, show schedule, and overall health. On average, most dogs benefit most from a massage every 6-8 weeks.

No. While, on occasion, some may experience a slight stiffness the day after bodywork, you do not need to alter your show/training schedule.

Yes. Animals that are in shock, running a fever, suffering from a skin disease or have been diagnosed with cancer should not be massaged without first having veterinary approval. Massage is never used on areas of heat or swelling. If your animal is suffering from an injury, s/he should first be seen by your veterinarian

It is important to evaluate the entire animal. Often, the muscle that seems the most sore is compensating for an underlying issue. A full-body massage is necessary in creating an overall balance in the body.