Manual therapy
Manual therapy encompasses a number of techniques often used by physiotherapists to restore "normal" joint mobility, improve neurological reflexes, and reduce pain and harmonise muscle tone.
What these techniques have in common is that the therapist can perform them using only her hands.
They include touch, massage, mobilization, stretching, trigger points, stress points and myofascial release.
Touch
Touch is used to help your pet improve body perception by stimulating skin proprioceptors. The aim is to improve posture and gait.
Massage
The massage serves to harmonize the muscle tone and reduce local tension in the muscles, which leads to a pain-relieving and relaxing effect.
Mobilization
Mobilization is used to mobilize soft tissues, joints, and to reduce pain.
Stretching
Stretching increases the "range of motion" ROM of joints and the elasticity of soft tissues, thus also increasing flexibility. Stretching reduces myofascial contractures (tender points in muscles), as well as pain.
Trigger points
Trigger point treatment is used to release these sensitive or painful points in a muscle, which can affect functioning of the muscle and even neighboring of muscles. The aim is to restore good function to all affected muscles.
Stress Point Treatment
Stress point treatment is used to release tender points at the transition between tendons and muscles, which have a stiffening effect on these structures. By releasing them, muscle and tendon regain their original elasticity and functionality, and movements become freer and easier.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a massage technique that treats the adhesions of muscles and their connective structures. The aim is to harmonize muscle tone by releasing tension, increase blood and lymphatic flow, and restore functional balance.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique used to reduce swelling due to edema, for example, following surgery, arthritis or inflammation. However, this technique is not recommended in the presence of a tumor.
