Acupuncture and Massage

What is Clinical Canine Massage?

Canine massage is used to rehabilitate muscular injury and to support dogs suffering from orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Clinical massage is also ideal for sporting, working and senior dogs. Our canine massage therapist has a specialised skill set including Swedish massage, remedial sports massage, deep tissue massage and Myofascial release, thus allowing us to tailor treatment to best suit your dog’s individual needs.

What to expect

During your dog’s first session our therapist will conduct a full consultation looking at your dog’s medical history and their daily activity. They will assess the way your dog moves and holds themselves. A superficial palpation will be carried out followed by a 45 minute massage therapy session. Our therapist can then give you feedback and recommend a home care plan and exercise regime.

Conditions your dog may benefit from canine massage therapy:

• Lameness
• Soft tissue injury including sprains and strains
• Protective muscle splinting
• Osteoarthritis
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Luxating Patella
• Cruciate ligament damage
• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
• Spondylosis
• Pre and Post orthopaedic surgery
• Canine Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
• Age changes
• Anxiety
• Pre and post sporting events

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has evolved from an ancient Chinese art which involves placing needles in specific anatomical locations to relieve pain and increase injury recovery rates.

It can be performed by specially trained veterinary surgeons and we are pleased to be able to offer this to you and your pets at The Stocks Vets.

What to expect

After a consultation and full examination; very thin, small needles are placed and left in position for between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the patient’s individual requirements.

Usually a response will be seen after a couple of sessions and many patients will benefit from regular sessions, although this will not always be necessary.

You will need to allow 30-45 minutes for each treatment. Some common conditions that will benefit from acupuncture are for the management of chronic pain such as osteoarthritis, muscular strains/soft tissue injuries and in some cases as an aid to recovery after orthopaedic surgery.