Physiological features of Canine Massage Therapy
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      - Reduces joint stiffness and pain. 
- Improved circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the bones. 
- As muscles become more flexible joint movement increases. 
- Reducing inflammation. 
- Reducing and resolving painful areas of overcompensation. 
- Decrease or manage protective muscle splinting. 
- Pain management. 
 
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      - Enhancing circulation to and from the muscles, increasing their nutrient supply and reducing waste product accumulation. 
- Promotes proper fibre alignment in healing soft tissues. 
- Improving suppleness and flexibility of muscles. 
- Stretching and realignment of scar tissue. 
- Reducing resting muscle tone. 
- Helping to reduce adhesions. 
- Reducing muscular fatigue, spasms and cramps. 
- Rebalancing muscle groups if compensation has been happening. 
- Promoting better posture. 
- Encouraging the natural dynamics of the muscle and return normal gait. 
- Eliminating trigger points. 
- Managing areas of pain and soreness. 
- Overall relaxation and sense of well-being, decreasing muscle tension. 
 
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      - Increased flow of lymph fluid, meaning improved ability to detoxify tissue and ward off infection through removal of excess fluid and toxins. 
- Increased count and performance of white blood cells. 
- Decreased swelling and inflammation, which decreases pain. 
- Accelerated healing for injuries, such as sprained joints. 
- Decreased congestion. 
- A general sensation of feeling lighter and more energetic. 
 
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      - Creating pressure in the muscle which helps to move the blood through congested areas of tissue (such as injury, trauma, lactic acid and general muscle soreness). 
- Releasing the pressure within the muscle which allows new, oxygenated blood to flow in. 
- Flushing lactic acid from the muscles. 
- Improving the circulation of lymph fluid which carries away metabolic waste and produces antibodies. 
- Lowering blood pressure. 
- Increasing vasodilation. 
- Increasing capilarisation. 
- Increasing venous return to re-oxygenate blood for tissues. 
- Increasing general blood circulation which improves nutrient intake and better removal of toxins and metabolic waste. 
- Improving bodily functions due to efficiency of circulatory system. 
 
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      - Promotes healthy skin and hair by increasing circulation, which brings blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to the dermal layer of the skin. 
- Promotes sebum production that helps to lubricate the skin and hair and helps the skins suppleness and resistance to infection. 
- Helps regenerate tissue which assists with wound healing. 
- Thermoregulation through the balance and circulation of fluids. 
- Releases adherences of the skin to the deeper tissues. 
- Increases circulation of both lymph and blood in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. 
- The ability to detect any issues with the skin early on, in order to refer back to a vet. 
 

