Improves mobility, performance, and reduces pain
Myotherapy works on the dog’s muscular system, where issues are a common and often underestimated source of pain and discomfort. These issues may be shown in many ways, but the pain will lead to stress, affecting the physical and psychological wellbeing of the dog.
Myotherapy promotes normal muscle function, by easing congestion within the fibres which may be caused by injury, compensation for other problems, or repetitive strain injuries. Injury and damage to muscle fibres may lead to muscle shortening, which causes joint stress. If the tension is eased and the muscle length increases, joint function will be improved and the optimal range of motion achieved. This improves mobility, performance, and reduces pain.
Muscle compensatory problems are very common following injury or as part of an underlying condition like osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. The shift in weight distribution as a result of the condition overloads certain areas, leading to stress and discomfort in areas distant from the underlying condition.
Myotherapy is also extremely useful for performance or working dogs, for example those with inconsistent performance, a lack of drive, lack of concentration, or changes in performance (for example knocking poles in agility). These may not be a training issue – why not have your dog checked for muscle problems?
Myotherapy may help a dog with the following problems:
- Lameness
- Injury
- Back pain
- Muscle tension
- After trauma or surgery
- Poor performance
- Stress and behaviour problems
Myotherapy can also be very useful as part of a management program for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- OCD (Osteochondritis dissecans)
- Cruciate disease
- CDRM (Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy)
- Spondylitis
At Therapaws, we work closely with a myotherapist – Luisa Greig of Galen Myotherapy. Myotherapy treatments can be performed at Therapaws, or in the comfort of your own home; however, there is a small charge for home visits. Some dogs may benefit from a combination of hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, myotherapy and acupuncture treatments. Many pet insurance companies will cover the cost of myotherapy treatments; please contact them directly for more information.