SIDEWOOD CANINE THERAPY

Hi, I'm Debbie

 

I am a Clinical Canine Massage Therapist at Sidewood Canine Therapy, offering individually tailored massage treatment plans dedicated to supporting canine health, rehabilitation and performance. 

 

Every dog deserves to live with as little pain and discomfort as possible. Whether recovering from surgery or injury, managing age-related arthritis and joint issues, or maintaining peak condition and performance as a sporting dog. My aim is to help your dog live life to the fullest by using a wide range of massage techniques to support mobility, promote recovery, and reduce the risk of injury.

 

I have an ethical and skilled professional approach, and adhere to the Veterinary Act 1966 and Veterinary Exemptions Order 2015, thereby committing to not treating a dog without their veterinary surgeon's consent prior to their first visit. Adhering to Best Practice principles ensures that your dog remains safe and receives the appropriate treatment that they need. 

You can download your VET CONSENT FORM here.

 

I am also a member of the IAAT (International Association of Animal Therapists), giving clients peace of mind that not only do I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance, but each year I commit to a minimum of 25 hours CPD training as part of the IAAT's membership requirements and strong code of ethics and conduct. 

 

 Please get in touch to book -

 

Call/WhatsApp 07833 937097

Email therapy@sidewoodcanineservices.co.uk

What is Clinical Canine Massage?

Clinical canine massage is a complementary therapy that has been proven to be effective in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal issues and injuries, pain management and the promotion of post surgical recovery as well as helping to maximise athletic performance. It involves the manual manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia, using a variety of massage techniques, with the aim of increasing circulation, reducing pain and improving mobility. Massage has also been shown to improve mental health in dogs by reducing stress and anxiety and can be an invaluable tool for athletic sports dogs when incorporated into their warm-up and cool down routines.

 

This hands-on therapy focuses on treating the whole of the dog's body, not just the area of concern, thereby alleviating any compensatory issues that may have developed due to the dog changing their posture or gait. Results can usually be seen in around 1 - 3 sessions, with recommended home treatment plans and lifestyle changes designed to support your dog after treatment.

The Benefits of Canine Massage

Conditions Massage Can Help

Clinical canine massage can be successfully used to help manage the following conditions.

Orthopaedic Conditions

  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • Hip & elbow dysplasia 
  • Luxating patella
  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Spondylosis

Neurological Conditions

  • Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (CDRM)
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
  • Vestibular disease
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome

Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Sprains and strains
  • Hypertonicity
  • Muscle atrophy and hypertrophy
  • Post surgical recovery

Other

  • Aging dogs - reduces stiffness and improves movement
  • Weight management - massage can increase metabolism & improve movement in overweight dogs
  • Performance dogs - aids recovery after extreme exercise and reduces the risk of injury

 

  • Improves circulation and reduces ischemia (restriction of blood supply to tissue)
  • Improves lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins
  • Improves mobility and range of motion
  • Reduces inflammation and pain
  • Aids the return to a normal posture and gait
  • Reduces lameness and stiffness
  • Aids faster rehabilitation and recovery from muscle strains
  • Helps the dog return to normal daily activities such as going up/down stairs
  • Removal of painful trigger points and restricted fascia
  • Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions
  • Helps combat negative changes in character caused by pain by reducing pain, stress and anxiety, thereby improving mental health
  • Improves immune system responses, promoting the body's natural healing process
  • Helps to keep active sports dogs injury free and improve their performance
  • Improves recovery times after training or injury
  • Can be used as an aid in pain management for dogs that are intolerant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

What to Expect

Your first clinical canine massage therapy appointment will last for around 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, I will be gathering as much information about your dog as possible and taking time to introduce myself to them so that they feel comfortable, confident and relaxed. I will ask you about your dog's daily activities, exercise routine, diet and history and discuss your expectations of the therapy outcome. At this point you must provide a signed Veterinary Consent Form (please click on the link to download) or the treatment session will not be able to continue.

I will then move on to assessing your dog and carry out the following evaluations:

  • Static posture analysis 
  • Gait analysis
  • Superficial palpation
  • 30 - 45 minute massage therapy session
  • Feedback to the owner, including a home care plan and any lifestyle recommendations if applicable.

This comprehensive initial session will not only allow your dog and I to become acquainted with each other, but will also allow me to carry out a full, detailed assessment of your dog and create a tailored treatment plan for their specific requirements for future treatments. It also gives you, as the owner, the opportunity to determine if you wish to continue with further therapy sessions.

 

If you would like to discuss how I may be able to help your dog, please call or Whatsapp me on 07833 937097

or email therapy@sidewoodcanineservices.co.uk

 

Veterinary Consent

It is a legal requirement in the UK that veterinary permission must be attained prior to any massage therapy treatment being administered under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Exemptions Order 2015. This legislation was put into place to not only inform Best Practice, but to also ensure the ongoing welfare of your dog, preventing harm from treating conditions that may be contraindicated for massage therapy.

Owners MUST gain approval from their veterinary surgeon BEFORE their dog can receive massage treatment.

To gain veterinary approval, simply download or print the Veterinary Consent Form below and take it to your vet to complete and sign.

 

VETERINARY CONSENT FORM

 

The cost for an initial session is £50

 

All subsequent sessions are £40

     Terms & Conditions 
 

  • I am only able to treat your dog under veterinary referral
  • Whilst every care is taken of dogs undergoing treatment, all dogs receive massage therapy treatment entirely at the owner's risk
  • All dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times
  • Treatment fees are payable in full at each session by cash or BACS
  • Sessions will be charged in full if an appointment is broken or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice
  • You are advised to check your insurance policy before treatment if you are planning on making an insurance claim
  • Late arrivals - clients arriving within 15 minutes of their appointment time will be able to attend their session, however, they must be aware that their session time may be shortened to ensure the next clients appointment starts on time
  • Clients arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be able to attend their appointment and a full cancellation fee will apply
  • Sidewood Canine Therapy reserves the right to refuse treatment to any dog
  • Owners are required to give notification if their dog's condition appears to deteriorate or if their veterinary surgeon advises to suspend or stop massage treatment
  • Please do not feed your dog for at least 2 hours prior to their appointment
  • Please ensure that your dog has been adequately toileted prior to their treatment session. Owners are more than welcome to arrive early and walk their dog, on lead, in the designated area at Sidewood Farm
  • In the event of fouling on the premises, it is the owner's responsibility to clean up after their dog
  • Dogs with infectious or contagious conditions (including eye, ear or skin infections, vomiting, diarrhoea) will not be treated - please give 24 hours notice of cancelling your appointment
  • Dogs with Kennel Cough must be symptom free for at least 14 days prior to attending
  • I request that dogs do not attend an appointment for at least 14 days after receiving Kennel Cough vaccine
  • Owners are requested not to bring any other dogs into the centre other than those being treated
  • For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age are generally not permitted to attend treatment sessions
  • Onsite parking is available at your own risk
  • Sidewood Canine Therapy cannot be held responsible for damage or loss to vehicles or personal property whilst on the premises

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