|
|
|
            Download my referral form for equine and canine treatments below.  |
1st January 2007
Canine Massage Therapy - Question and Answer Canine Massage Therapy - Question and AnswerQuestion My dog pulled a muscle in his shoulder last week whilst competing (I tripped over him whilst attempting a blind turn!). He finished the course but was limping after we had finished. It did ease up a little but he has been stiff since. What can I do to ease the stiffness and make him more comfortable and when can we return back to training? Answer Unfortunately, this question isn't as simple as it may seem, as we need to understand a bit about how the body works when injured. (Please remember I am not a vet so I cannot legally diagnose what your dog has specifically done, but I can help explain what happens to your dog's body after injury and what types of injury are common. If symptoms persist or if you are in doubt contact your vet immediately). How the body heals Healing is a complex but essential process and it is common to all soft tissue types and may be divided into 3 overlapping phases.
Inflammation is the immediate response to injury and is clearly identified by 5 signs:
At the point of injury there is damage to the local blood vessels causing bleeding (haemorrhage) and cell death. The amount of trauma dictates the number of blood vessels damaged and the size of the haemorrhage. As cells die chemicals are released into surrounding tissues to protect the body and prevent further trauma. Blood vessels constrict to limit blood and fluid loss. Blood cells release a clotting agent, which enables dead cells to be trapped at the injury site, forming a blood clot. Over the next 72 hours the body's immune system cleanses the injury site by clearing away any debris present. Repair Phase - New blood vessels begin to form from 3 days post injury. Collagen fibres form a matrix, which strengthens and supports the wound from stresses imposed on it. Remodelling Phase - Collagen fibres (scar tissue) become taut and shrink, they continue to organise themselves in line with the stress put on the injury site. The strength of the scar tissue is approximately 20% of normal strength by day 21. As you can see it is quite difficult to put a time scale on when your dog can return back to training as it depends on what type of injury your dog has endured and the severity of it. Types of injury A Strain is the most common type of injury because muscle activity is the principal component in all activity. A strain is often referred to as 'a pull' and involves the tearing of muscle or tendon fibres, ranging from microscopic damage to complete ruptures. There are 3 types of Strain: A Grade 1 strain involves a small degree of fibres tearing (mild to moderate damage) there may be a mild loss of function and localised pain but generally no loss of strength. Treatment: Initial period of rest and ice therapy, backed up by a rehabilitation programme of massage, followed by a series of strength and flexibility exercises. A Grade 2 strain involves more fibres being torn (moderate to severe damage), some pain and considerable disability. This type of strain causes problems, as fluid and blood are unable to escape, causing swelling. Pain is felt on muscle contraction and strength is reduced. Pain is the limiting factor on movement. Treatment: Cold, compression and rest. Gradual mobilisation and active exercise after 48 hours to increase blood flow followed by massage and ultrasound treatments. A Grade 3 strain (otherwise known as a Rupture) involves total loss of muscle function due to a complete tear of the muscle and requires veterinary treatment. The affected limb or muscle will generally be immobilised in a shortened position for a period of time. A Sprain generally refers to a joint (e.g. shoulder) and is stress to a joint beyond its range of movement. The joint capsule and surrounding ligaments that hold the joint together can be damaged. There is local swelling, muscle spasms and considerable pain. Treatment: Rest, immobilisation, massage, ultrasound along with a strength and flexibility exercise programme. Haematoma (blood swelling) A Haematoma may also occur due to a strain or rupture. They can occur either within the muscle compartment, which may need veterinary attention to relieve the pressure or they may occur in-between the muscle compartments, both benefit from cold therapy and rest. Treatments Ice / Cold Therapy Sports Massage Therapy As mentioned before, you must determine what injury your dog has endured before it can be treated. You as the dog owner are in the responsible position to make that decision. If in doubt, contact your vet immediately as complementary therapy does not replace veterinary care and it is illegal for anyone other than yourself to treat your dog without veterinary consent. |
|
|
