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The idea of the use of the balance cushion is that the weaker muscles will be stimulated rather than the stronger ones; therefore, an equal balance can be achieved if the cushion is used correctly. Like all deep core exercises, this does not give the impression of working muscles hard. However, these small muscles that are being stimulated are having a full workout; care is needed, as if time limits are exceeded, post-exercise hypertonia can be a problem. It is important to ensure that the dog stands as squarely on the cushion as possible. In Figure 127, note how the right leg is not weightbearing. As this is the stronger leg, the exercise should strengthen the core muscles on the left side. When performing this exercise, the dog should be eased gently so that the opposite pelvic limb is weightbearing (128). This, then, should encourage a correction within the intrinsic pelvic muscles.

This exercise should not be performed for longer than 1 minute at the start, and increased daily up to 3 minutes. When the dog can stand squarely, the exercise should be used for maintenance once a week for 3 minutes. This technique should always be replicated with the front legs.

Affected areas (muscles or muscle groups):

•m. gemelli.

•m. obturator internus.

•abdominals.

•obliques.

•m. multidifus.

•gluteal group.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a wonderful tool within the remedial and fitness programme for a dog. For the dog that is paralysed or severely lacking mobility, to have unimpaired movement while supported by water is a great feeling. Not only is hydrotherapy of great benefit to dogs that need to regain mobility, but also there is a social aspect: they may swim with other

128 The dog is gently moved from the weightbearing leg to the opposite pelvic limb.

dogs, and the competition can assist a more motivated swim, or give a dog the confidence to swim (129). This psychological benefit can be far reaching, and in itself have a wonderful cathartic effect.

In the author’s experience, in many chronic and some muscular conditions, to gain best overall results it is advantageous to treat with good myotherapy initially, to rebalance the musculature, thus initiating corrective muscle patterning before a dog engages in hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy can possibly overdevelop problem areas rather than develop a better overall biomechanical action; in this circumstance, the appropriate use of buoyancy aids adds to the benefit.

If managed correctly and used along with other therapies, hydrotherapy can manifest great changes in a dog’s quality of life. From a therapist’s perspective, the best results are achieved when the two therapies and therapists can work together. Exercises and massage can

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ensure that the muscles are released and functioning, so that, when the dog is worked resistively in the water, the range of movement and core muscle strength can be improved.

Before engaging in hydrotherapy, the following should be addressed:

•What is hoped to be achieved by hydrotherapy?

•Which type of pool would be best (130)?

•Should another therapy be implemented first?

•How many dogs will be in the pool at the same time (no more than four)?

•What type of dogs will be sharing the pool? Will they be bumptious or placid

– which would suit each dog?

•What help would be available should the therapist require it?

The hydrotherapists at these pools may not swim with the dog. Therefore, if specialized care is required when the dog is swimming, a more one-to-one arrangement may be required. Veterinary advice should always be taken before making a decision on which pool the dog swims. Legally, veterinary consent should be required by the hydrotherapist. The subject of hydrotherapy within canine physical therapy is complex and detailed.

129 Archie swimming in a	130 A canine hydrotherapy pool; it should have a
hydrotherapy pool.	ramp and steps for entering and leaving the pool and
	be open to allow the dog to swim freely. (Reproduced
	by kind permission of White Orchid Hydrotherapy,
	West Chiltington, Sussex.)

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6

Massage in Physical

Therapy

Julia Robertson

•Introduction to massage

•Massage methodology

•Massage application

•Massage techniques

•Assessment of the dog

•Treatment

•Contraindications for canine massage

‘Society’s taboos about touch have kept massage from enjoying the popularity it deserves.’

Dr Michael Fox, The Healing Touch.

‘Massage is a manipulation of soft tissue structures of the body. It has both mechanical and reflex effects on the body. The direct form of massage affects the tissues and organs you are working on and the indirect is the reception of a stimulus that produces an effect’.

Beard’s Massage. Principles and Practice of Soft Tissue

Manipulation. Saunders Elsevier.