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:

  • Increased muscle extensibility

  • Decreased muscular tension

  • Reduced pain sensation

  • Increased relaxation

  • Increased range of motion

  • Reduced delayed onset muscle soreness

  • Reduced muscle spasm

  • Increased muscle temperature

• Stretching - Stretching has great effects on the animal including

  • Improved joint range of motion

  • Increased extensibility of the muscle-tendon unit and periarticular connective tissues

  • Return of normal neuromuscular balance between muscle groups

  • Reduced compression of joint surfaces

  • Increased relaxation

• 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:

  • Feel for any restrictions in the joint

  • Lubricate the joint space

  • Increase extensibility of the joint and periarticular structures​​​​​​