Massage | The Canine Co-Lab

Veterinary Massage

Easing pain and promoting healing.

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An illustration of a blue and orange dog running alongside a smaller dog on wheels, with a stylized mountain and sun in the background, captures the whimsical spirit that veterinarians cherish in their playful patients.

Massage is the systematic, therapeutic, and functional stroking and kneading of the soft tissues of the body. There are numerous techniques ranging from lighter, softer strokes to deeper tissue massage. The technique chosen depends on the size of the area, the desired pressure, the rate and rhythm, and the duration of the massage. This tool is utilized at various times during rehabilitation, and we often perform massage prior to a session to loosen trigger points as well as during physical therapy sessions when the tissues are warm.

Therapeutic Massage Techniques

An elderly pug with a gray muzzle lies on a bed, wearing a purple collar and red leash, looking as if waiting for its next vet visit. A person's legs, clad in black pants and pink crocs, are visible in the background. The pug looks directly at the camera.

A black and white dog lies on its back on a blue mat, appearing relaxed, while a vet gently massages the dog's leg.

Benefits

Relieves muscle spasm and tension
Pain reduction by stimulating lots of free sensory nerve endings
Encourages physical and mental relaxation
Allows examination of deeper tissues when superficial tissues relax
Encourages blood flow to tissues to deliver oxygen and nutrients
Decreases swelling and edema
Minimizes scar and tissue adhesions after tissue trauma or surgery
Decreases delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise
Reduces inflammation and promotes cell metabolism in muscles for healing
Improves human-animal bond

A brown dog wearing goggles relaxes on a mat as a veterinarian in a black shirt tends to their work behind it. The indoor setting features dim lighting and a wooden floor, creating an atmosphere of focused care.

Massage is Key

Massage is an important key in physical rehabilitation for animals. Often when animals have an injury, the body compensates and uses the soft tissues and muscles differently than how they normally function. This creates compensatory muscle soreness and trigger points (knots) that need attention. We often teach owners how to perform massage themselves on their pets so it can be performed regularly at home.