Manual Therapies
Manual therapies form the majority of a treatment session and they include massage, stretching and passive range of motion.
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Massage - Massage has many benefits and depending on the massage stroke performed different outcomes can be achieved. Some of the main benefits include:
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Increased muscle extensibility
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Decreased muscular tension
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Reduced pain sensation
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Increased relaxation
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Increased range of motion
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Reduced delayed onset muscle soreness
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Reduced muscle spasm
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Increased muscle temperature
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Stretching - Stretching has great effects on the animal including
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Improved joint range of motion
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Increased extensibility of the muscle-tendon unit and periarticular connective tissues
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Return of normal neuromuscular balance between muscle groups
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Reduced compression of joint surfaces
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Increased relaxation
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Passive Range of Motion - This is where the joints are moved through their full range of motion whilst the animal is non-weight bearing in the dog's case or standing in the case of the horse. This is beneficial because it helps to:
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Feel for any restrictions in the joint
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Lubricate the joint space
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Increase extensibility of the joint and periarticular structures
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