My dog is older and has arthritis, will massage and CST help at all?
​          Yes, massage and craniosacral therapy can help a senior pet and a pet that has arthritis. First, manual lymphatic massage is great for immune support for our older pets or any pet that might be immune compromised (including post surgical).  Lymphatic massage is very light work.  Any areas of stagnation will be relieved, as lymph fluid will move more freely and boost the immune system.  Arthritis creates inflammation and swelling around joints, making body movements painful.  Fluid that is stuck in interstitial spaces (swelling) can be moved out with lymphatic drainage massage, therefore reducing some pressure around joints.  Once swelling is reduced, a typical massage can commence.  Neurotransmitters get released from the brain, giving the pet a non-drug therapy option for pain relief! Finally, gently bringing the pet through passive range of movement and easy stretches helps to pump synovial fluid in joints that need lubrication.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) helps senior pets with arthritis by alleviating stiffness.  Lack of mobility shortens the muscle creating tension across joints. CST restores flexibility in the tissues and joints, therefore improving discomfort and healthy mobility. 

How can massage and CST calm my very anxious and nervous dog? 
​          Massage helps nervous/anxious dogs by bringing them back to wellness and balance. When a pet is nervous or anxious, they have increased heart rate, bowels slow or stop, breathing quickens, and a stress hormone called Cortisol is released.   When a pet learns that massage is safe touch with intent to calm and gives the body systems a chance to relax, they will happily accept it over time.  The effects can be long lasting. Endorphins and hormones get released that make them feel good!  Muscles tighten all throughout the body when one is nervous and anxious, so massage can reduce this tension more evenly overall. Once the soothing part of the nervous system is activated, healing and calmness can finally take place.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) can bring relief to the tension the brain experiences, causing anxiety.  One area I would focus on would be the bones of the cranium. Removing anxious pressure in the jaw (temporals), back of the skull (Atlanta-occiptal), and top/front of the head (parietals), will also relax the muscles and provide comfort. Additonally, long-term nervousness activates the fight or flight response, and engages all of the muscles creating tension throughout the entire body. CST corrects rigidity over each of the joints allowing for ease of movement. 

My dog has hip dysplasia. Can massage and CST relieve a chronic condition like this?   
          Yes, massage and craniosacral therapy can relieve many chronic conditions including hip dysplasia.  When a hip joint is dysplastic, a loss of function is occurring in the hip joint.  Several chronic conditions lead to compensations throughout the body.  Enlargement of the shoulder muscles and a turning out of elbow joints can sometimes be noticed in pets with hind-end weakness. The body naturally compensates by front loading, or bringing much of the weight forward, since hip movement is painful and limited.  The chest and shoulder muscles require extra care, massage and stretching, as these are taking on most of the work.  While it is important to maintain healthy strength and flexibility in the front half of the body, the same is true for the back end of the body, as one may begin to lose muscle mass.  Massage keeps those muscles filled with circulation and gentle passive range of motion techniques remind muscles of appropriate movements.  

Craniosacral therapy pairs nicely with massage by creating healthy space in painful, tense joints. Checking for and maintaining symmetry of expansion and contraction in shoulder and hip joints, will ensure the body is moving in the most balanced way. This symmetry will allow for the best possible chance of comfortable weight bearing movements with ease .