Canine massage:

‘Pampering’ pooch has benefits

By KIM LOCCISANO, For The Times Leader
Athletes at almost every level have experienced the benefits of deep muscle tissue massage, but until recently the idea of employing these techniques to improve the overall quality of life enjoyed by dogs and horses was given little or no thought. But, Becky Brandenburg of Martins Ferry has been working for almost a decade to broaden this viewpoint.

She recently became certified to instruct others in the skills needed to become a canine sports massage therapist. Additionally, she has just completed plans to begin offering classes for students interested in equine sports massage therapy instruction and certification.

“This class is designed for anyone who wishes to learn,” she said of the basis for her program focused on canine sports massage therapy and on the subsequently developed course targeting knowledge and skills needed to provide sports massage therapy for horses.

Word of these new programs becoming available through Brandenburg has spread quickly among those who work with dogs. She is expecting the same strong response from individuals interested in acquiring the knowledge and the hands-on skills employed in this discipline, but who are interested in working with horses.

While the general public may not be familiar with the idea of sports massage therapy having direct applications for dogs and for horses, it is not such a new idea to those who have worked with such animals, especially those involved in athletic pursuits such as racing or hunting events.

Recently, a means of combining her passion for helping animals and for teaching came together when the first group of students completed an intensive canine massage therapy program now available through her professional resources: Brandenburg Equine and Canine Massage Therapy.

Eight years ago Brandenburg’s sincere interest in learning massage therapy techniques beneficial to horses put her on the first step of this unique path.

The program she immersed herself in focused on working with horses, but soon became an avenue through which she connected to similar information targeting improving the quality of life for dogs.

Over the years she has been employed by an ever growing number of dog and horse owners, managers and care givers from throughout the region. The animals she has been asked to work with have come from various lifestyles, including those living as household pets to those working in demanding show and competitive environments.

She admits there are many who initially scoff at the idea of such formalized programs for improving the quality of life of an animal, but that reality does not trouble Brandenburg. She has come to believe deeply that the process of employing deep tissue sports massage techniques for dogs and horses can bring immediate benefits and long term ones as well to all involved: animals and humans alike.

But, the benefits of sports massage therapy for dogs is not restricted to those who live in a competitive world, such as a racing or field trial dog, rescue or scent dog.

“Canine massage therapy is beneficial for all types of dogs, from pets to dogs active in obedience, agility, search and rescue, police K-9 units and guide dogs,” said Brandenburg. “Progressive dog owners are realizing the same benefits for their animals as those in the equine field. The massage sequence and benefits are the same for both dogs and horses.

“The sports massage therapy application involves working with the 26 muscle groups on each side of the dog’s body. Each massage lasts approximately 45 minutes,” she said.

Having learned these techniques initially to improve the overall quality of life for her own horse and dogs, Brandenburg knows from personal experience the positive influence the techniques can have on the animals.

“So much of a dog or horse’s body is muscle there is ample reason to keep that system in as healthy a working order as possible, regardless whether the animal is an active athlete or the favorite horse of the smallest rider or a pampered pound pooch,” says Brandenburg.

Reasons students come to Brandenburg’s canine sports massage therapy certification classes vary widely, but all have a common thread: a love and respect for animals and their individual quality of life whether they are a professional athlete on the race track or a beloved pet.

“Medical science is making it possible for our dogs to live much longer lives. However, with that come the problems that are associated with aging. Massage therapy helps the older, less active dog live a more comfortable life,” she said. “Regular massage therapy can benefit your dog during recovery from injury or surgery.”

Brandenburg cautions against entertaining thoughts that sports massage therapy makes regular trips to the veterinarian unnecessary: quite the opposite is true and are not interchangeable, she said.

The possibility of earning certification in canine massage therapy is hardly a passing trend, and is viewed by many professionals, experienced animal care specialists, and trainers as an opportunity too good to pass up without giving it a try.

When canine crazed citizens take their seats at the prestigious American Kennel Club’s Westminster Dog Show this year they will each be introduced to Brandenburg, her skills as a therapist and as a teacher.

“When I decided to go national with my certification classes I chose a number of dog fancy magazines where I wanted to run ads, one of those is the program for the annual Westminster Kennel Club show held in Madison Square Garden in New York,” she said.

Her message to potential clients and students is clear: her program is about sharing knowledge which will equip an individual with the skills necessary to enhance the quality of an animal’s life and their performance, whether that is spent playing catch in the or standing for examination by a judge at a national breed championship.

Shortly after the first of the year Brandenburg saw her inaugural groups of students proceed through the course successfully. It included four experienced veterinary technicians – all employed at a large practice in New York City. Rounding out the roster was a local specialist who will be working with a local veterinarian’s established practice.

“I have been a therapist for eight years and an educator for 30 years. This program is the result of those worlds colliding,” Brandenburg said of a new certification program she is now qualified to teach which focused on techniques of sports massage therapy specifically designed to benefit canine patients.

Brandenburg holds a bachelor’s degree in education from West Liberty State College, is a certified animal massage therapist, is a member of the International Association of Animal Massage Therapists and the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork.

She has studied with the leading training organizations in the field of animal massage and has worked with one such group in curriculum development. The canine massage certification offered is a unique program developed from her years working in both sports massage therapy and education.

Although Brandenburg’s certification program is open to those who already work in the health services for animals, it is not limited to that group of professionals.

“Students have said they are interested in this program simply because they want to learn how to enhance the quality of their pet’s life,” said Brandenburg. “What they often don’t realize is that through the sports massage therapy process they will also realize a benefit themselves.”

Brandenburg recommends the education garnered through her course work for those who: “seek deeper understanding of the healing art of massage; who learn best in a small group as class size is limited to four students; who want intensive hands-on experience and instruction; who wish to learn the importance of professionalism and business ethics; and who seek instruction from someone who is currently operating a thriving practice.”

The program is based on intense academic standards and testing benchmarks, she explained.

Included topics for those in the currently offered canine sports massage therapy classes are: the history and benefits of massage; basic anatomy and muscle function of the animal; tactile application of techniques realized by working with dogs of varying sizes, levels of health and personalities, she explained.

Some basic benefits of sports massage therapy which can routinely be expected include: enhanced muscle tone; reduction of inflammation and swelling in joints, thereby alleviating pain; increases the flow of nutrients to the muscles; stimulating circulation and releases endorphins; helping to maintain the whole body in better physical condition; easing muscle spasms; increases synovial fluid in joints; lengthens connective tissue; and generally improves the disposition of the animal.”

“Sixty percent of a horse and/or dog’s body weight is muscle. It is the system that is responsible for movement. Maximum function and comfort in the muscle system will result in the greatest motion possible. Muscle soreness can be the result of injury, structural imbalance, over stretching or over use/ misuse. Muscle problems are cumulative. If a problem exists in one area, the animal will have to compensate by tensing up and/ or using other muscle to protect the injured muscle. Any number of secondary problems can then occur which will in turn compromise movement.

“Regular massage can aid in the prevention of these issues,” she said. “Once a problem exists, massage helps to break up the tight knots of adhering muscle fibers which restrict full muscle extension. Massage will find any damaged or potentially compromised area of muscle and restore it to improved function.”

Brandenburg can be reached by calling 740-633-6639, or at 610 Hickory St. in Martins Ferry.