Hands-On Healing: The Power of Manual Therapy and More

The "Business" of Canine Rehabilitation: An Underdog Story

In this enlightening episode, Anthony Schena, CCAT, takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of manual therapy for our furry companions, focusing not just on massage but also on stretching, joint mobilization, and manipulation. 🐶💆‍♀️
Anthony breaks down what manual therapy is for animals - a hands-on approach where therapists use various techniques to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. 🩹🐾
Drawing from his human PT background, Anthony shares the similarities and differences when applying manual therapy to animals, emphasizing the added layer of understanding their behavior and adapting techniques to their unique anatomy. 🧍‍♂️🐶
In this episode, Anthony delves into:
- The basics of manual therapy, including massage techniques like effleurage and petrissage 💆‍♀️🐕
- The vital role of stretching in animal rehabilitation, improving flexibility and aiding in muscle recovery 🧘‍♀️🐾
- Joint mobilization and its aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and facilitate better joint function 🦴💪
- Manipulation, or adjustment, and its ability to realign joints, offer immediate pain relief, and restore function 🌀🩹
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and its benefits in breaking down scar tissue and fascial restrictions 🛠️🩹
- Kinesio taping and its role in providing support, enhancing blood circulation, and alleviating pain 🩹🦮
Anthony shares heartwarming stories of how manual therapy made a marked difference in the lives of Luna, a German Shepherd with hip dysplasia, and Dasher, an Italian Greyhound recovering from bilateral patella correction. 🐕✨
While manual therapy can be incredibly beneficial, Anthony emphasizes the importance of a tailored approach and recognizes that not every condition or animal will benefit solely from manual therapy. 🩺🐾
The bond between the therapist and the animal is crucial, with trust and comfort being essential for successful treatment. 🤝🐶
For pet owners looking to introduce basic manual therapy techniques at home, Anthony advises consulting with a professional, being gentle, observing the dog's reactions, and prioritizing the pet's comfort and safety. 🏠💕
As the episode concludes, Anthony reminds us that manual therapy is an art, a science, and a labor of love, rooted in touch, trust, and understanding. It is part of a broader rehabilitation plan, working in harmony with other therapies to promote healing and rejuvenation. 🌈🐾
#CanineRehab #DogPT #PetHealth #ManualTherapy #HealingTouch

If you have any questions, concerns, or want to share your
"Underdog Story" - please send an email to:
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Check us out on all of our platforms here:
https://linktr.ee/alpharehabandfit
Or call Anthony directly at Alpha Animal Rehab and Fitness:
908-454-2273