While CMT is a powerful tool to encourage the body’s ability to heal itself through its numerous physiological applications , there are some conditions where massage cannot be applied as it may create harmful negative impact on the body in some way.
This is called Contraindications, which can be broken down into two groups.
1. Regional Contraindications
For some illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions, it is only contraindicated in one area of the body, which will not be treated, however massage can be applied to the rest of the body. In most cases, dogs with these conditions have already seen a vet and given an approval to have a massage treatment as a follow up. The therapist will carefully consider the condition presented by the dog and some modification to the treatment may be applied which may include change in direction, pressure, technique and treatment duration taking maximum caution.
2. General Contraindications
Under no circumstances should a massage be performed unless there is an approval from a veterinarian to perform CMT on the dog, and even with the clearance, massage may not be performed in some cases depending on the stage of healing. In most cases, once the clearance is given, it may be treated as Regional Contraindications, where a massage will be performed with caution.
Example:
· Any ‘abnormal’ or ‘extreme’ pain on any part of the body or vomiting.
Consult a veterinarian first.
· Haematoma
Massage will affect the blood flow, which may have adverse effects for healing. No massage treatment is performed until it is completely healed.
· Acute Joint Swelling
Consult a veterinarian and obtain a clearance. Existing arthritis condition may need to be re-examined and the treatment plan may need to be updated.
· Any medications including antibiotics, blood thinning medication, anti-inflammatory medication and other veterinarian prescribed medications.
Your vets diagnosis and clearance for CMT treatment is required. Timing of the massage will be discussed depending on the timing of the administration of the medication.
· Heart conditions, Malignancies, Infection
Your vets diagnosis and clearance for CMT treatment is required. Depending on the stage of healing and type of medication, massage may be performed as Regional Contraindication with caution.
If the dog has the following conditions, treat it as General Contraindications, where a vet diagnosis and clearance to be treated with CMT is required.
· Broken skin, Wounds,
· Fractures,
· Burns,
· Recent muscle injury,
· Recent surgery,
· Torn ligament (joint instability)
· Inability to apply body weight through the limb i.e. weight bearing lameness
· Neurological condition e.g. difficulty standing, uncoordinated movement
· Inflammation
· Restriction of spinal movement
· Respiratory conditions (e.g. coughing, allergy, etc.)
· Skin conditions (e.g. puffy, lumpy, shiny, scaly or where hair has ceased growing, etc.)
Pregnancy and Travel e.g. after a long trip on board an aircraft or an extremely long trip in a car, etc. are also treated as General Contraindication, and timing of the treatment will be discussed accordingly.
Depending on the stage of healing and type of medication, it may be treated as Regional Contraindication and massage may be performed with caution.
It is essential that we are informed of any conditions, no matter what it is, prior to booking an appointment so that the treatment can be planned at the best timing where you can expect to receive the maximum benefit without any harm to the body.
If not sure, please give us a call to discuss.
Disclaimer:
Canine Myofunctional Therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used as a substitute for advice from a veterinarian or other veterinary professional for the treatment of an injury or disease. For more information about our website and services disclaimer, please view our Terms and Conditions.
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