Canine Myofunctional Therapy
Canine Myofunctional Therapy or CMT is professional canine massage. CMT can be applied to both dogs and cats and provides a range of health benefits however, there are instances that do require veterinary consent to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animal.
CMT is applied to the muscle and has a direct effect on the circulatory system with increased blood supply and elimination of toxic waste. Massage not only has a direct influence on the cardiac and lymphatic systems but the autonomic nervous system as well.
The benefits of CMT include:
- Increased blood supply
- Elimination of toxic waste
- Lengthens connective tissue
- Increased nutrient supply
- Improves range of movement (R.O.M)
- Breaks down and prevents for formation of fibrosis
- Less tension in the body
- Nerves to organs can function better
- Better organ function
- Improved lymphatic flow
- Lubrication of fascia
- Muscle release
- Reduces scar tissue
At times contraindications will present and veterinary consent will be required.
Massage can be applied for a number of applications such as to improve performance for sporting dogs, assist in structural integrity for dogs who live on slippery surfaces or for general health and wellbeing as a few examples.
Sporting Dogs
Excellent for warm up and cool down preparation, improve performance, improve range of movement, release tight muscles and maintain muscle integrity, may assist with performance anxiety, lengthens connective tissue, prevent injury from overuse.
Working dogs
Release tight muscles, improve performance, improve range of movement, lengthens connective tissue, prevent injury from overuse.
Structural issues
Structural imbalance (eg dog with 3 legs), assists with extra stress load on other muscles; Asymmetry (caused by slippery surfaces), assists with releasing tight and overused muscles;
Faulty conformation (natural malformation of the skeleton), assists with muscle release and blood supply.
General wellbeing and recovery
Improved circulation, assist detoxification, minimises scar tissue, lubricates fascia, improve range of movement, may assist in anxiety or over excited behaviours, relaxation, feel good.