Advice for a regular MT?

[glownatural]

I apologize in advance for my lack of vocabulary in this subject.

My mom breeds and shows Australian Terriers (I would post a link to her website, but they are currently re-doing it). So... I am going to visit, and she is getting ready for a dog show. She asked me to work on the dog she will be showing. Now, I will say, I give all of her dogs (and dogs she handles, when they are around) little massages every month when I visit.

So, the main thing she is concerned about is the "topline". Since these are little dogs, but also tenacious terriers, when they play rough or jump from couches and chairs... They develop kind of a kink along the spine... so the topline is not flat from shoulder to hip. The breed standard says they should be pretty straight. Now, this kink is not super pronounced, but I can see it when comparing to the other dogs.

Mainly, I just use my fingers and thumbs down the lamina groove. I start just above the shoulders, and just fiction along the spine, feeling for the kinks and just working them. Usually it only takes a few minutes (less than 10) and when it's done, I can see the results.

What I really want to know is if there is something specific I should be working on. Should I spend time also working abdominal muscles? Is the technique I'm using correct/appropriate? Are there some techniques I can use that will affect longer lasting results? I usually work while the dog is standing, should I have them lie down?

I respect what you guys do, and I understand if you don't think you can share specific information on techniques with me. But any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lordkelvin]

Advice for a regular MT?

Mainly, I just use my fingers and thumbs down the lamina groove. I start just above the shoulders, and just fiction along the spine, feeling for the kinks and just working them. Usually it only takes a few minutes (less than 10) and when it's done, I can see the results.

That's great! Excellent work (in my opinion), you're doing what is natural to you and it's perfect.

What I really want to know is if there is something specific I should be working on. Should I spend time also working abdominal muscles? Is the technique I'm using correct/appropriate? Are there some techniques I can use that will affect longer lasting results? I usually work while the dog is standing, should I have them lie down?

I was thinking psoas, as that can cause the spine to arch - looks kind of like the hind is coming underneath? So, I'd advise to keep doing what you're doing, and yes to abdominal as well as hip flexor work. Maybe some lat dorsi, too. The main massage technique (aside from warming the body up and stretches) with the dogs getting ready for showing or agility is to do sportsmassage type work versus say deeper therapeutic, neuromuscular work.

I prefer them to be lying down so the muscles are not flexed but this can't always be done.

Another tip, put yourself in their position...imagine yourself on all fours and go from there. Apply the same knowledge you use with humans but be hyper aware of body language...their body indicating to your hands & eyes whether the depth of work is where it needs to be, or too much, etc.

...and I understand if you don't think you can share specific information on techniques with me.

That's just CRAZY talk, now quit it, lol!

 

[Lea]

Thanks for the reply. These dogs LOVE massage (don't we all?) and I don't think it will be hard for me to get them to lie down.

As far as psoas... I feel a little unsure as to what I am always feeling. When I work psoas on a person, I can do a muscle test. Flexing hip with resistance. It's not that easy on a dog. Also, what is my caution in this area? Obviously internal organs... are they kind of laid out in a similar pattern to humans?

Again, thanks for the advice. These are very communicative dogs, and they DO let me know what they think of my massages.

They love it, of course!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hey! If _I_ can work on a baby chick ANYTHING is possible. hehehehe

 

[scaerdrys]

As far as psoas... I feel a little unsure as to what I am always feeling. When I work psoas on a person, I can do a muscle test. Flexing hip with resistance. It's not that easy on a dog. Also, what is my caution in this area? Obviously internal organs... are they kind of laid out in a similar pattern to humans?

You're welcome...anytime. Do you have a canine anatomy chart? ...they have some charts in the big home version "caring for your dog" books, too.

The psoas is easier to get at on a dog than a human because their hips are already bent/flexed...and the canine hips are a little accentuated laterally from the body, so you can get your fingers in there without jabbing the innards. Psoas work is not my favorite to receive, or even give on humans. If the area is tight, there will probably be mild discomfort. I just go easy and don't bully my way through at all...sometimes I add a little rocking or shaking to help with its release. I typically do this on dogs with long backs, athletic dogs, or dogs with back issues.

 

[Yam]

Thanks for the help, Kindred Spirits. I don't have a canine anatomy chart, but I am pretty sure my mom has a book. When I get there this weekend, I'll take a look at it, and see if I can make sense of it.

I think the psoas work is what has been missing. I'll just feel around and see what I can do. These dogs do have long backs. They are definitely longer than they are tall. The arch of the spine is the only "structural" problem she has with these dogs... and it really is a result of play, jumping, so on. Thanks for the advice. Can't wait to get my hands on that terrier now!