Every veterinary professional and rehabilitation specialist should understand how to effectively use lymphatic massage protocols as they are an essential skill that can benefit dogs in any situation.  In this 1-day condensed workshop designed exclusively for veterinary professionals, participants learn specific lymphatic massage techniques that can be used after deep tissue work to help clear metabolic wastes from the body; after surgery or injury to reduce swelling; and during palliative and hospice care to help sick and convalescing dogs by boosting the immune system and clearing out toxins, which when accumulated can cause nausea, fatigue, and pain. These techniques are gentle, nuanced, and effective, and the relaxation effects are profound. 

Without trust, a dog will not allow touch. Without permission to touch, a practitioner cannot provide relief and comfort through massage and bodywork, no matter how skilled they may be.

Broaden your client base and help the dogs who need it most by strengthening your trust-building skills. In this 2-part course, you will learn how to safely, effectively, and respectfully gain a dog's trust and earn permission to touch them.  Techniques in this class can be used successfully with almost any dog, including those who are shy, fearful, stressed, anxious, or poorly socialized.

In Part 1, you'll learn key massage concepts, including massage background, palpation theory, scope of practice, and proper documentation. You'll also begin your journey into canine anatomy and physiology.

Canine Massage Fundamentals Part 2 takes you into the classroom for intensive hands-on practice and continued exploration of the how-to of palpation skills, proper application of fundamental massage techniques, passive range of motion, and more. You'll have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of live dogs while receiving real-time guidance, feedback, and support from your instructor.

Every veterinary professional and rehabilitation specialist should understand how to effectively use lymphatic massage protocols as they are an essential skill that can benefit dogs in any situation.  

In this 2-day professional workshop, participants learn specific lymphatic massage techniques that can be used after deep tissue work to help clear metabolic wastes from the body; after surgery or injury to reduce swelling; and during palliative and hospice care to help sick and convalescing dogs by boosting the immune system and clearing out toxins, which when accumulated can cause nausea, fatigue, and pain. These techniques are gentle, nuanced, and effective, and the relaxation effects are profound.

Both of these advanced techniques are powerful and indispensable tools that should be part of every canine massage therapist and rehab practitioner’s toolbox. Myofascial trigger point therapy is a time efficient way to assess tissue health, and it effectively decreases pain, increases range of motion, and assists in tissue healing which allows ongoing strengthening and rehabilitation.  Orthopedic friction improves connective tissue mobility, breaks down and realigns scar tissue, and deactivates myofascial trigger points in ligaments and periosteum attachments of tendons. 

In this workshop, participants learn how to apply myofascial trigger point and orthopedic friction techniques to specific structures for all soft tissue injuries and to promote overall healing.

Acupressure, a bodywork technique based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a non-invasive approach to preventive care and pain management. Providing acupressure to your own dog and to the dogs in your care will allow you to play an important role in their overall mental and physical health and well-being. 

Acupressure can be used alone or combined with other modalities and is ideal for any dog at any stage of life.  This workshop will provide you with the basic tools to immediately give the dogs in your care a simple, but effective, acupressure session using points that deliver a boost to the immune system and specifically focus on musculoskeletal soreness, calming, and overall relaxation and comfort care.