Why stretch?

There are many techniques I use when providing massage therapy. Depending on the needs of your dog, stretching may be one of them, here is why…

Why Stretch?

• Decreases chance of injury

• Increases mobility and range of motion

• Keeps muscles strong and healthy

Muscles should be warm

• Stretch the dog after the massage or after it has engaged in some physical activity

• Muscles must be completely relaxed

• Best if the dog is laying down and relaxed

Stretching Fundamentals

• The joints must be stabilized

• Hold the joint firmly while stretching to reduce chance of

injury

• The muscles must be stretched in a straight plane

movement.

Importance of Warming the Muscle

• Research shows that a stretch is safer and more effective on warm muscle tissue

• Exercise or massage will increase blood flow to the muscle making it more flexible and reducing the risk of injury.

Warming Joints and Muscles

• Extremely important in older dogs because they lose elasticity as they age

• If an older dog shows signs of pain or discomfort during stretching, their muscles are likely not warm enough

• Walking or swimming for 10-15 minutes before stretching is recommended

Importance of Relaxation

• A muscle must be completely relaxed before a stretch can be safe and effective

• If a muscle is not relaxed, injury can occur

• The best way to ensure muscles are relaxed is to stretch while the dog is laying down

Stretch Slowly

• All stretches should be extremely slow

• Never force a stretch

• Go as far as the dog allows and do not force the stretch

beyond that point

• The dog may only give you very small stretches at first

Contraindication

• Never stretch a joint that is unstable!

• An unstable joint (due to ligament tears or other soft

tissue injuries) will be further injured through stretching

Credit: Angels Animals