Conditions
A Guide To Some Of The Orthopaedic Conditions That Canine Massage Can Support
​
What are orthopaedic conditions?
Orthopaedic conditions are disorders of the musculoskeletal system that impact bones, muscles, joint, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia. They can be severely debilitating causing chronic pain and increased sensitivity and anxiety.
These conditions are often degenerative and overtime result in imbalances and compensatory patterns that create myofascial pain and tension that cause referred pain, making other areas of the body weak and susceptible to injury
Osteoarthritis
Although typically associated with older dogs, osteoarthritis can also affect younger ones. Being a gradual and progressive disease, symptoms may only become apparent after the condition has been present for some time.
The causes of osteoarthritis vary and can include general wear and tear, other orthopaedic conditions like hip dysplasia or luxating patella, excessive weight, or environmental factors that place long-term stress on the joints, such as living on slippery floors.
Common Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Early signs are commonly seen as changes in gait/posture, slowing down and reluctance to use the stairs, get in and out of the car and be handled.
As degeneration increases symptoms include
· Lameness
· Stiffness after rest
· Reduced range of movement
. Muscular atrophy
· Joint stiffness, heat, swelling and creaking.
· Changes in personality and behaviour
​
How massage therapy can help
Massage therapy is an excellent non-invasive approach to help manage osteoarthritis pain and discomfort. It aids in reducing muscle hypertonicity and spasms and improve gait and posture and reduce compensatory weight shifting.
-
Reduced pain and sensitivity
-
Reduces joint stiffness.
-
Increases mobility.
-
Able to get up and down with more ease.
-
Improves gait and posture.
-
Reduces compensatory loading.
-
Able to walk further, play and generally increased stamina.
-
Improves comfort levels and temperament.
-
Reduces anxiety
Supporting Your Dog With Osteoarthritis
-
Don’t second guess - get your dog to the vet for a diagnosis and when required, the correct pain relief. While many people suspect osteoarthritis in their dogs, there are various conditions can present with similar symptoms.
-
A multimodal management programme to support secondary and/or compensatory issues such as Clinical Canine Massage Therapy and Hydrotherapy.
-
Cover slippery floors at home with rugs or carpeting.
-
Manage your dog's weight by maintaining an optimal body condition score.
-
Limit intense exercises like ball throwing, tug of war, and activities involving tight turns or movements on uneven or slippery surfaces. Set realistic expectations for your dog's walking distance.
-
Provide a well-balanced diet and a high-quality joint supplement containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussel extract
-
Ensure comfortable bedding that allows your dog to stretch out fully.
-
Keep your dog warm and protected from drafts.
-
If your dogs comfort levels did not improve after medication or complimentary
therapies, speak to your Vet about alternative pain relief and options. -
If you are concerned about any deterioration in your dog's condition, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Hip Dysplasia
The term 'dysplasia' refers to abnormal development.
The hip joint, also known as the coxofemoral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint. In a normal,
healthy joint, the femoral head (ball) and the pelvic acetabulum (socket) grow at equal
rates during the growth phase. The femoral head should fit snugly into the acetabulum;
however, if growth is uneven, it can lead to irregularities and laxity in the joint, a
condition known as hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia causes the joint to become compromised, leading to instability and
uneven contact between the ball and socket; it can be unilateral or bilateral. The bone
becomes deformed, the joint erodes, and the bone responds by remodelling. Bone
remodelling leads to the growth of spurs (osteophytes), causing pain and inflammation,
which can eventually result in secondary conditions that include arthritis.
Common Symptoms Of
Hip Dysplasia
-
Stiffness/lameness
-
Sitting with one hind leg out to the side
-
Gait irregularities such as bunny hopping, swinging/swaying gait
-
Signs of pain around the hips: Sensitivity to touch and licking the area.
-
Hindlimb lameness that can be intermittent and often increase after exercise.
-
Pain/sensitivity in the lumbar region
-
Muscle wastage in the hind limbs
-
Increased muscle tone in the shoulder region due to compensatory loading
​
-
Increases comfort levels.
-
Reduced pain and sensitivity
-
Reduces joint stiffness.
-
Relieves tension
-
Reduces compensatory loading and corrects muscle imbalances.
How massage therapy can help
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow joint is made up of three articulating bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. For the joint to be health these bones must develop normally and align precisely. If the three bones develop abnormally and do not fit perfectly, they may rub against each other leading to pain and inflammation. Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term that refers to various conditions affecting the elbow joint.
​
-
Lameness in one or both forelimbs
-
Sensitivity in the area surrounding the elbow joint
-
Discomfort and swelling within and around the elbow joint
-
Abnormal posture, such as being bow-legged or having elbows that turn outwards
-
Decreased endurance and reluctance to engage in daily walks
-
A tendency to collapse rather than lie down gently.
​
​
-
Natural pain management
-
Relieves areas of overcompensation and treats secondary issues that include myofascial pain
-
Improves mobility
-
Reduces stiffness
-
Reduces joint inflammation
How massage therapy can help:
Typical symptoms of elbow dysplasia in dogs include:
Cruciate Ligament Injuries
My name is Alexa Young
The stifle or knee joint is comprised of three bones: the femur, tibia, and patella. It is
stabilised by a series of ligaments these include the Cranial and Caudal cruciate
ligaments, the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, and the patellar ligament. The
Cranial cruciate ligament in dogs is equivalent to the anterior cruciate ligament in
humans.
Cruciate ligaments are tough fibrous bands of tissue that connect the femur to the tibia
and they cross over the front of the stifle joint. They stabilise the knee joint and prevent
the tibia from sliding too far forwards or backwards. When the cruciate ligament is torn
(sprained) it causes weakness and instability of the stifle.
Grade 1: A tiny tear or sprain of a ligament with a degree of internal haemorrhage
Grade 2: A partial tear of the ligament
Grade 3: Ligament is completely ruptured
Grade 4: Ligament is torn away from the bone, and it tears small fragments of bone with it, this is known as an avulsion fracture.
Cruciate ligaments more commonly deteriorate over time from general wear and tear
and continuous strain, however they can also suffer damage from acute injuries like a
sudden twist or direct impact.
​
​
-
Pain management
-
Relieves tension and soreness around supporting muscles
-
Reduces compensatory loading
-
Post surgery rehabilitation
-
Reduces swelling
-
Improves mobility
-
Increases circulation
-
Improves comfort levels
How can massage help cruciate injuries?
Common Symptoms Of
A Cruciate Ligament
Injury In A Dog
-
Symptoms can vary depending on how severe the injury is and if caused by general wear and tear and degeneration signs of stiffness and lameness can be gradual and intermittent to start with.
-
Slight lameness through to non-weight bearing
-
Presence of heat and swelling around the joint
-
Whimpering or crying out in pain
-
Stifle abducted when standing or sitting (held out to the side)
-
Clicking in the stifle joint
-
Reluctance to walk
Luxating Patella
The patella, or kneecap, is a small sesamoid bone located within the quadriceps tendon.
It slides along a groove at the front of the femur known as the trochlear groove, acting
as a pulley during the stifle's flexion and extension.
Luxating, meaning to dislocate, and describes what occurs with a luxating patella. The
kneecap slips out of the trochlear groove, leading to instability, lameness, and undue strain on the cruciate ligament. This dislocation often results in the dog's leg locking and preventing them from placing their foot on the ground, causing a hopping or skipping motion for a few strides.
There are four grades of luxating patella:
Grade 1: The patella can be luxated with manual pressure but otherwise it sits in the groove
Grade 2: The patella luxates - This normally causes a dog to hop and skip but it will move back into the groove.
Grade 3: The patella is permanently luxated but can be manually moved back into the groove
Grade 4: The patella is permanently luxated and can not be manually moved back into the groove.
Genetic make-up is the most common cause for luxating patella. Dogs with conformation deformities such as bowed legs are more susceptible, however, there are other contributing factors such as daily activities and environment.
Common symptoms of a luxating patella
Hopping on hind leg
Popping sounds
Abducting (Swinging out) a back leg.
Intermittent lameness
Pain and swelling around the stifle joint
How massage can benefit dogs with a luxating patella
Massage can significantly benefit dogs with a Grade 1 luxating patella, potentially eliminating the need for surgery.
While massage cannot realign the patella in more severe cases, it is effective for managing pain and treating areas of overcompensation. Benefits include:
- Enhanced comfort levels
- Pain reduction
- Treatment for overcompensation, muscle splinting, and myofascial pain
- Improved gait and posture
- Decreased stiffness
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can occur at any time, regardless of age or breed and if left untreated can cause a lifetime of debilitating pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of soft tissue injuries can vary from subtle changes in a dog's movement and posture through to non-weight bearing.
Signs of a potential soft tissue injury in dogs may include:
- Varying degrees of lameness, from a slight limp to non-weight bearing
- Stiffness
- Altered gait and posture, such as hopping, skipping, crabbing, or holding the head or tail unnaturally.
- Uneven weight distribution across all four limbs
- Abruptly stopping during exercise
- Reluctance to walk and decreased stamina.
- Excessive licking, rolling on their back, or scratching
- Sensitivity to touch, grooming, being picked up, or wearing a harness
- Skin twitching or shivering
- Awkwardly sitting, with one hind leg out to the side or elbows splayed
- Restlessness and difficulty settling
- Changes in normal activities, like reduced playfulness, reluctance to use stairs, or no longer jumping onto furniture.
Even subtle changes in your dog's gait, movement, and behaviour could indicate soft tissue dysfunction.
How Massage Can Help Dogs With Soft Tissue Dysfunction.
Massage can be beneficial for dogs with soft tissue injuries. A treatment typically involves a comprehensive assessment of the dog's body, including a consultation, gait analysis, advanced palpation, and body mapping to identify primary and secondary injury sites. The area where a dog exhibits pain may not always be the direct source of discomfort; it could be a result of referred pain. The goal of each treatment is to evaluate and address all areas of soft tissue dysfunction, identifying and treating both primary and secondary causes.
Key benefits include:
- Releasing tension caused by repetitive use improving circulation to the muscle and addresses the
prime area of dysfunction rather than masking it.
- Reduces or resolves pain.
- Remodelling of scar tissue formed because of a strain. Scar tissue restricts movement and has a
detrimental impact on associated soft tissue.
- Improves suppleness and flexibility.
- Improves performance in sporting dogs.
- Increased stamina and enables a dog to be able to enjoy their walks again.
- Myofascial release techniques that allow normal fascia tension to be restored
- Reduces or resolves sensitivity.
- Helps to decrease atrophy and retain muscle tone.
- Improved comfort levels and pain reduction helps reduce anxiety, improves gait and posture, and allows a
dog to return to activities they once enjoyed.
Strain
A strain is a type of injury that affects muscles and tendons, often resulting from a sudden movement like a sharp twist which stretches the muscle fibres beyond their usual capacity, leading to what is called an acute strain. Alternatively, chronic strains arise from smaller, repetitive tears in the muscle fibres. Such injuries can cause severe pain, potentially incapacitating a dog, and may even necessitate surgical intervention in extreme cases.
The severity of a strain is measured in 3 grades ranging from a few fibres being torn to a full rupture. Strains are graded from 1-3 depending on their severity:
Grade 1 – Known as a mild strain, less than 5% of the muscle fibres are affected. Massage can help aid recovery by relieving pain, treating affected associated soft tissue and realign scar tissue that forms.
Grade 2 – More severe there can be up to 50% of the muscle fibres damaged and massage can help aid recovery by relieving pain, treating affected associated soft tissue and realign scare tissue.
Grade 3 – The muscle is completely ruptured and is extremely painful, this is the most severe type of strain, and will need Veterinary assistance and surgery. Symptoms range from limping to completely non weight bearing, swelling, heat, bruising, whimpering, crying out in pain and licking the affected area.
Scar tissue that forms after a strain will eventually leave the area vulnerable and prone to re-injury and this is where scar tissue remodelling that restructure and realigns the fibres to allow mobility and normal tension to be restored.
Ligaments are strong fibrous bands of connective tissue that attach bone to bone, keeping joints stable. When a ligament become overstretched, torn, or ruptured this is known as a sprain. Some of the more common areas affected by sprains are carpus (wrist), tarsus (ankle), stifle (cruciate ligament).
Sprains are graded 1-4 depending on their severity:
1st Degree: Minor tear or stretch - A mild sprain.
2nd Degree: There is a partial tear of the ligament - A moderate sprain.
3rd Degree: Complete rupture. A severe sprain
4th Degree: Ligament ruptures and causes an avulsion fracture (takes small pieces of bone with it) Symptoms range from limping to completely non weight bearing, swelling, heat, bruising, whimpering, crying out in pain and licking the affected area.
Massage therapy can aid in the healing of a sprain by accelerating recovery, alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, enhancing weight-bearing capacity, preserving muscle tone and health, improving circulation, and relieving compensatory pressure.