Canine Massage: improve your dog’s quality of life
Galen Myotherapy (specialist canine massage)
Tailored conditioning programmes
Clear advice and guidance
Supporting your dog to achieve a stronger, happier life
My Expertise
Treating Chronic Muscular Tension and Pain
I offer in-home treatments across Cornwall and West Devon, using canine massage (Galen Myotherapy) to treat dogs with chronic muscular pain and tension. I also offer distance support if you are further afield.
Muscular pain can be caused by a number of issues including:
- osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions
- repetitive movements during play, day-to-day activities and sports
- injuries or surgery
Galen myotherapy is a specialised canine massage therapy, which promotes health and treats chronic muscular pain using unique massage techniques and exercise management.
I carry out detailed assessments of your dog in their home environment and design a treatment programme, which includes:
- targeted canine massage techniques (think sports massage rather than candles and whale music!)
- tailored conditioning plan using dynamic remedial exercises and strengthening techniques
- advice on simple, yet hugely powerful things you can do to support your dog every day
This approach aims to manage the chronic muscular pain and inflammation that is caused by the many different conditions that are so common in a dog’s life. It will improve joint mobility, muscular health and general wellbeing.
I even teach you how to massage your dog so you don’t need to see me as often!
My Approach
As a Galen Canine Myotherapist, I follow six guiding principles which help to describe how this treatment differs from other canine massage. Understanding these guiding principles can also help you decide if this treatment approach is right for your dog.
Choice
The most important part of the treatment your dog will have with me is that they are completely in control. Galen Myotherapy’s unique Positive PACT treatment protocol ensures all dogs I treat have a choice about when to take part. I will never hold your dog in place and treatment will always take place on the floor (or on a low level) in your own home where your dog is most comfortable. If your dog wants to move away from the treatment area at any time, they can. This is so important because it helps your dog build a trusting relationship with me.
Empowerment
When your dog is struggling you want to help, but it can be difficult to become involved in their treatment. I will always include you in your dog’s treatment plan, showing you how to use safe canine massage techniques, along with exercise planning and environment management
Specialist Knowledge & Training
All Galen Canine Myotherapists are qualified to an exceptional level, with anatomy and physiology teaching focussed on functional application rather than pure theory. I understand your dog’s anatomy in terms of movement and how their body works in healthy and unhealthy states. I also understand how pain and stress can be reflected through behaviour. This knowledge helps me apply dog-centric, choice led treatment.
Behavioural Understanding
Galen were the first canine massage therapy organisation to discuss the direct connection between muscle pain and specific behaviour patterns. I will guide you in understanding how muscle pain can be reflected in your dog’s behaviour. This information and knowledge is also invaluable when assessing and detecting changes.
Sharing Knowledge
The welfare of dogs is Galen’s primary concern, taking priority over all other considerations. We believe in sharing knowledge through training, workshops, symposiums and events all over the world. We truly believe that what we do improves the health and wellbeing of dogs and share this in the most appropriate and far reaching ways.
Continual Development
Conditions
When joints are damaged or not aligned properly, muscles and soft tissues in other parts of the body start to compensate and can become sore, tight and painful
Performance
Working and Sporting dogs can carry a tough load on their bodies due to intense, repetitive activities. Minimise the risk of injury, improve performance and extend active years
Recovery
Working with you, your vet, physio, and any other members of team dog, Galen Myotherapy supports recovery from injuries/operations and a quicker return to good health
Getting Started is Easy
Free Chat
Call or e-mail me and tell me all about your dog! I will do my best to answer any questions you have and explain what happens during the sessions
Book Appointment
Complete a ‘Doggy Detail’ form and reserve an appointment pending vet consent
1st Session!
Once I have the completed vet consent form we are ready to go! Your reserved appointment will be confirmed and I will meet you and your best friend for their first session
Frequently Asked Questions
What is canine myotherapy?
Myo = muscle, so in simple terms it is muscle therapy. The treatment is developed through detailed assessments which identify which targeted, specialised massage techniques are used. A tailored conditioning programme is also developed to help strengthen muscles to manage chronic muscular pain.
Which dogs could benefit?
Dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis, dogs recovering from operations, working dogs, sporting dogs. Healthy dogs, including puppies, also benefit not only through their physical health but through building even stronger bonds with you.
My dog can't lie still, is it worth even trying myotherapy?
Yes! As a Galen Myotherapist I use the unique Positive PACT® approach which ensures all dogs I treat have a choice. I will never restrain your dog and treatment takes place on the floor (or on a low level) which is where your dog feels safest and most comfortable. This encourages all dogs to settle and trust me. I have experience and special interest in rescues and nervous dogs so don’t feel embarrased if you don’t think your dog will stay still!
Where do the treaments take place and when are you available?
I come to your home at a time most convenient for you. All I ask is that you choose a time when you can be the most relaxed, so we can get the best outcome for your best friend. Try to avoid a time close to another important appointment, like the school run or as soon as you get in from work. Evening and weekend slots are available.
Why do I need vet consent?
- It is a legal requirement
- I need to know it is safe to treat your dog
- Working with your vet helps me to link with any other canine professionals who might be supporting your dog. This helps us use a truly multi modal approach to get the very best outcome for your best friend.
How much does it cost?
Canine massage is often covered by your Pet Insurance, please check with your provider for how to claim. The first session costs £50 and will take up to 90 minutes. Subsequent sessions are £40, please allow up to an hour for these. Distance support and other services are available, see the Services & Prices page.
Contact Me
If you have any questions you can call me, or send me an email.
Business Hours
If you are worried about your dog, it is important to get your questions answered as soon as possible. Always talk to your vet about emergencies, or if you think your dog has a new illness or their condition has changed.
I am here 7 days a week for general help and advice relating to Galen Myotherapy and will return your call or e-mail within 24hrs.
If you call and don’t get through I am probably carrying out a consultation, so please leave a message and I will call you back.
Appointments Available
Monday – Saturday = 10am – 8pm
Sun = Closed