Merishia Massage

Canine Merishia Massage is a soft tissue manual therapy that helps to provide physical and emotional pain relief for your dog. It utilises a combination of Swedish, sports, deep tissue, fascia release techniques, gentle stretches and detailed mobilisations to aid in the release of both superficial/deep tensions and restrictions, trigger points and scar tissue. Massage can aid your dog in a number of ways.

  • Massage increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping them to become more flexible and improving joint range of motion and stability.  
  • Massage can reduce pain, interrupting the pain cycle by stimulating pressure receptors, which helps "close the gate" on pain signals sent to the brain
  • Massage can assist the body’s natural repair process allowing any micro-damage suffered to be repaired with stronger tissue. 
  • One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals that produce feelings of well-being. Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol are also reduced. 

Low Level Laser Light Therapy

A Laser is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic light by stimulated emission of photons from excited atoms or molecules. Laser energy is considered as a stream of tiny particles of light called photos.

The physiological responses to Low Level Laser Therapy involves stimulation of the body's natural healing processes, optimising repair and helping to restore normal cellular function. 

Laser therapy for dogs can reduce  pain and promote healing by:

  • Causing the release of endorphins

  • Decreasing the release of inflammatory chemicals - the effects seemingly similar to that of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

  • Causing lymphatic vessels to dilate (expand so fluid moves out of the tissue)

  • Increasing blood flow to an area

What Can Massage and Laser Therapy Be Used For?

  • Pain relief
  • Ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis and slow down the progression
  • Reduce and ease painful muscle tension
  • Improve joint range of motion, mobility and movement
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Post operative rehabilitation, pain relief and healing
  • Wound healing
  • Nerve regeneration
  • Part of a pre and post fitness, sport or competition plan

Who Can Benefit?

  • Pet dogs - for example geriatric dogs who are starting to slow down and struggle a little,  or those just looking to enhance their dog's overall quality of life. 
  • Dogs who have undergone a recent surgery or have a diagnosed condition - treatment can help to alleviate pain, increase comfort, reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, improve healing, slow down progression of condition. 
  • Sport dogs - for example dogs who compete in agility, fly ball, dock diving etc. Massage and laser can be used as part of a sport programme, as well as be included in warm up/cool down routines
  • Working dogs- for example sheep dogs, police dogs.  Again, massage and laser can be used to help improve performance and overall quality of life. 

When Can it Not be Used?

There are certain contraindications of massage and laser therapy, where it might not be suitable for the dog. Examples include during pregnancy or if the dog appears in any way unwell, lethargic or is not eating, or indicating an characteristic dislike for touch or massage (there may be an underlying condition).

Veterinary Consent is therefore mandatory prior to treatment.

Please get in contact if you are in any way unsure or would like further information.