A requirement of the Canine Massage Guild is that each therapist has to undertake a minimum of 25 hours of CPD each year. This is to ensure that all therapists are up to date with their skills and knowledge so that we are able to deliver the best treat possible for your dog.
Last week I attended two course run by Natalie Lenton at the Canine Massage Therapy Centre. I learnt so much over these two days and enjoyed connecting with other therapists and sharing good practice. I have already started using my updated skills during my treatments. Read below to discover what I learnt and how this will benefit your dog.
Skills Review
I attended my first full day of CPD with my dog Woody, 10 year old, German Pointer x Springer Spaniel.
What I learnt on the day!
I reviewed and added to my palpation skills and knowledge, further advancing my ability to access your dog’s muscular tissue for areas of dysfunction and irregularity (free muscular health check).
Learnt modifications for some of the techniques I use to treat your dog. This means that if your dog is wriggly or struggles to lie in lateral recumbency (flat on its side) I am still able to deliver a success treatment.
Shared knowledge and good practice with other therapists of the Canine Massage Guild about orthopaedic conditions, muscular injuries etc and the positive results we have achieved for our clients.
If you would like more information about how I use palpation to access your dog and how I can adapt my techniques to support your dogs individual needs then please get in touch.
Facilitated Stretching
I attended my second full day of CPD with my dog Meeko, 6 year old, Smooth Face - Pyrenean Sheepdog. I learnt unique, slow, gentle and supportive stretches, for the dog’s whole body.
Stretching has the following benefits!
It helps the muscle realign its self so it can function normally
Decreases muscle tension - lengthening the muscle
Supports flexibility and mobility
Encourages the lengthening of fascia
Reduces episodes of muscle spasm
Relieves DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Helps to reduce muscle fatigue
As a result of attending this course I am now able to:
Provide certain stretches for your dog that you can do at home as part of their aftercare/maintenance plan.
Integrate stretches into your dogs massage treatments.
Offer stretching as a stand alone treatment
For more information about facilitated stretching and it’s benefits. Please get in touch.
