Generate more income into your practice by offering animal bodywork services!
More and more animal owners are seeking non-invasive, drug-free treatments for their dogs and cats. Offering bodywork services such as animal massage, kinesiology, taping, craniosacral therapy and body alignment out of your practice will allow these owners to utilize these techniques in addition to traditional veterinary treatments, all under your guidance.
Services to consider offering
Massage therapy
Many of your clients already experience the benefits of massage therapy firsthand, and may naturally begin to wonder if their canine and feline companions can benefit from it as well. The answer is yes! Massage therapy can help restore proper range of motion, decrease pain and tightness and improve gait. You can get certified to evaluate and perform different massage techniques such as Swedish, Myofascial Release, Acupressure and Gua Sha through online courses.
Kinesiology taping
Kinesiology tape is growing as a popular modality not only for human patients, but animals as well. A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science demonstrated a reduction in swelling in horses that were taped using kinesiology tape (the inflammation reduction taping) following arthroscopic tibia-patellofemoral surgery. Kinesiology tape has also been shown clinically to improve an animal’s gait and reduce the pain sensation.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a bodywork technique that addresses the craniosacral rhythm found in all animals. This rhythm is similar to the animal’s heartbeat, but is a result of the pumping of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) rather than blood through the heart. The CSF nourishes the Central Nervous System (CNS) and changes in its flow can directly impact it. CSF flows from the skull of the animal (cranium), down the spinal cord to the sacrum (hence the name craniosacral). Craniosacral therapists can enhance and correct the flow of CSF through specific techniques and protocols.
Body alignment
You and your staff can learn how to align the vertebral segments of dogs and cats utilizing Animal Neuro-myofascial Release (ANMR) Technique. This technique utilizes a tool to provide a safe, gentle and effective impulse into the spinal segments and soft tissues of animals to neurologically “reset” the area. ANMR has shown to clinically reduce pain and symptoms associated with disc bulges, arthritis, soft tissue injuries and more.
Interested in offering multiple techniques?
Holistic Animal Courses offers a series of online courses, allowing veterinarians and technicians to become certified from any location. The courses can be started at any time and they never expire, so students can work at their own pace and will always have access to the course content.
The courses are approved through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB) and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA).
