The silent treatment...
 When
vet nurse and co-founder of Awesome Paws Agility, Trish Helme, noticed worrying
changes in her five year old Working Cocker Epic, she immediately booked an appointment with
canine massage therapist Sarah Darling for an initial assessment. She wondered
if the process known as photobiomodulation could help Epic get back to the active sporting life she
loved. Sarah Darling of K9 Gait Massage explains what happened next in this epic
treatment.
On
my first meeting Epic, I was taken aback by her love of life and high
energy levels. Sadly,
she was showing signs of stiffness which were affecting her performance.
I totally understood that Epic, as a
dog bred to work, needed the active life that Trish was giving her by being
involved in an active sport. Just as human athletes need regular massage and re-alignment to balance and keep them in
top condition, so do dogs!
Apart from channelling a
dog's
natural instincts, an active sport like agility releases energy proactively,
reduces stress and boosts endorphins while, at the same time, building a huge
bond with their human. Trish was the
provider of fun, mental dexterity, team work and physical release. Without this,
it is possible that Epic could internalise her pent-up energy and become reactive, destructive and
possibly even depressed.
 My
initial observation
The first thing I noticed was that the sharp twists, turns, take-offs and
concussive landings of agility seem to have taken their toll on Epic's
conformation and gait. Her right forelimb was short striding. Her spine was
laterally flexed (slightly banana-shaped) and was likely the cause from her
repetitive movement of right spins. When stepping over cavalettis, she revealed
a notable flexing of her spine.
Upon palpation, her right
scapula was showing heat and inflammation. In fact, there was a great deal of
thoracic soreness which may have incurred from the stresses of
concussive landings, fast turns and navigating the weave poles.
I also discovered Epic was
housing trigger points and spasms, especially over her thoracic trapezius and
rhomboids. There was sensitivity in her right digits, her wrists were tight and
restricted which can occur through hyperextending on landing after jumps. This
in itself can lead to tensions and restrictions developing in the shoulders.
Epic's adductor muscles were also inflamed and sensitive when touched.
Her lumbar and pelvis were
very tight especially her hips flexors, which I see quite often due to
compression on hard landing, fast take offs and overuse. Ensuring balance is key
in muscle performance, as not only can this lead to premature fatiguing and
reduced speed, but also injury and discomfort.
 A bit about red light treatment...
With targeted sports massage, myofascial techniques and utilising my
Photizo Vetcare device, a hand-held, red light therapy device, happily I was able to
ease her trigger points, spasms and restrictions.
Over the past five years, I
have been integrating the hand-held Vetcare into my practice, but I have to say
that the new Silent version has been a game changer. It operates in exactly the
same way as the original version, but without the beeps which signal when the 30
second pre-programmed dose has started and finished.
This noise can disturb
noise sensitive or hyper-sensitive dogs, so the silent version is now my 'go-to.'
It's
really such an invaluable asset. Not only does it help to calm anxious dogs by cleverly
stimulating endorphin release, but it promotes natural healing by promoting
circulation and reducing inflammation to specific areas.
Whether it's torn, twisted or bruised muscles and allied soft tissues, the
Vetcare harnesses the power of red and near-infrared light, using LED technology
(Light Emitting Diodes), rather than laser light. This means no goggles are
needed as LED light is no risk to the eyes.
 Trish was very impressed with the Vetcare, especially in its ease of use and
portability. She could immediately see Epic relax into her session very quickly.
It helped facilitate some
gentle
exploration in her lumber and thoracic regions which were both
sensitive, tight and sore.
Through the process known as photobiomodulation, the Vetcare
delivers its pre-programmed 30 seconds evidence-based doses
which stimulates a
receptor in the mitochondria (cyctochrome C
Oxidase stimulation) improving energy production (ATP),
increasing circulation, reducing
inflammation and other beneficial biological effects.
As
the Vetcare was originally designed for use at home as well as in practice,
it offers owners the chance to progress in-between physical therapy sessions.
And yes, Trish
did decide to purchase a Vetcare to benefit Epic.
After our initial consultation and sensitivities located, I recommended a
further vet check, which showed a soft tissue shoulder injury and Epic was given
anti-inflammatories to help ease discomforts. I
advised strict on lead walks only! No agility practice initially for four weeks.
In
addition, I provided Trish with a home management plan which consisted of
exercises, massage and some specific mobilisation, release and stretch
techniques, especially for the tension in her hip flexors, lumbar and thoracic
regions.
I recommended the regular use of Vetcare on specific areas over Epic's muscles and joints,
especially those areas that were regularly impacted through her activity. This also included her feet, as toes can be caught on obstacles during agility
training and can become sore and potentially lead to further compensatory
tensions and stresses manifesting.
I'm delighted to report that Epic has responded really well and is thriving. She
continues to come for six-weekly check-ups to help maintain her muscle health
and performance as a pocket rocket agility athlete. Trish regularly uses the Vetcare prior to a Epic's workout so as to promote muscle function and after her
workout to aid in recovery and repair.
Trish Helme commented: 'I'm so happy Epic is back in tiptop
condition, I was so worried. I take the Vetcare with me to all our
competitions. I'm relieved as it means we're both enjoying the sport we love
even more now that Epic's body is re-aligned with ultimate natural ability
restored.'
 About
the author...
Sarah Darling, founder of K9 Gait
Massage Therapy, transferred 23 years of experience in sports and remedial
massage for humans, to dedicate her life and passion providing for the physical
and mental wellbeing of dogs.
She operates in the
Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys areas and provides an integrated perspective
combining canine massage therapy, photobiomodulation, strengthening and
rehabilitation therapies along with lifestyle management.
Sarah also hosts canine body
awareness talks and beginner canine massage workshops to help owners reap the
benefits in-between sessions at home.
Photos: Dog weaving
- Sean Cameron. Other photos Sarah Darling
First published
20th June 2024
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