Why Bodywork?

WE are responsible for our canine partner’s wellness.

Regular bodywork contributes to their well-being regardless whether they are a world-class athlete, casual competitor, hard-working therapy dog, or beloved companion.

Contact us to learn more or to book a session

Our dogs are incredible – our best friends, treasured family members, and partners on countless adventures.

As you are here, I have no doubt that keeping your dog fit, healthy and happy is a top priority for you. You feed them the best diet you can, provide ample time to play and exercise, and keep them up-to-date on their individual health care needs… but, did you know that bodywork can help to support the efficacy of each of these?

In order for your dog to feel fit and perform at their best they need a well-balanced body and mind. This is where bodywork can help.

What is Bodywork?

Bodywork is non-invasive, gentle, and wholly driven by the dog. It is a whole-dog approach and so much more than “petting”.

“Bodywork is a variety of manual modalities that are designed to aid in maintaining the physical condition of the dog as a whole as a part of a maintenance team.”

Dr. Taylor Sobchuk

Bodywork is complementary to veterinary care for addressing and naturally managing your dog’s wellness. It will not cure a dog of any ailment, but can help to improve mobility and relieve pain or discomfort, as well as optimizing performance for sporting and working dogs.

Bodywork Has Many Benefits:

Regular bodywork can help to:

  • Improve psychological wellness through increased relaxation and stress and anxiety reduction
  • Maintain and improve posture and mobility
  • Alleviate pain and discomfort through releasing endorphins1, relieving muscle tension and reducing stiffness
  • Improve circulation, lymphatic drainage, and removal of toxins
  • Improve muscle tissue health
  • Improve Range of Motion and improve dysfunctional or sub-optimal movement patterns
  • Enhance post-workout/activity recovery
  • Support optimal performance at competition and training with warm-up and cool-down massages
  • Aid your dog in developing better body awareness, which can lead to improved balance, coordination, and posture
  • Provide an introduction to calming touch and helps to begin a wonderful base for Co-operative Care.

Bodywork is for ALL stages of pet development and activity levels

Contraindications to Bodywork and Massage

As wonderful as massage and bodywork are, there are certain situations in which they are not recommended.

– Undiagnosed conditions (eg lameness, illness, pain, etc.)

– Altered vital signs (abnormal temperature, respiratory rate, mucous mebranes anything other than bright and pink)

– Dehydration

– Wounds (open or healing)

– Skin conditions – lesions or diseases. Contagious conditions are always contraindicated

– Recent or healing trauma – pain and edema (swelling)

– Unusual/unexplained signs of pain or discomfort

– Pregnancy

– Diagnosed conditions, including when the dog is undergoing drug therapy, and the primary veterinarian has not given clearance

Because, as bodyworkers, we do not diagnose, we will ask you to complete a clearance form from your veterinarian.

If, during a session, we come across a contraindication, the session will be stopped.

​Massage and Bodywork is never a replacement for veterinary care; please consult with your veterinarian when you have any concerns.

What to Expect During a Bodywork Session:

Prior to your dog’s first bodywork session, we will provide you with two forms – a Clearance Letter for your primary veterinarian and an Initial Intake Form which covers your dog’s health history, current activity level, and any other information which you feel is pertinent for me to know.

During the first session, we will review the content of your forms, discuss your dog’s history and current state as well as your needs and goals – both for your dog and as a team. A thorough biodynamic assessment will be performed (static and dynamic (gait) assessments, body condition and muscle scoring, and functional range of motion) which provides our baseline guide for bodywork, followed by a complete body massage, as the dog allows. The first sessions are often a new experience for dogs unfamiliar with massage and bodywork, and we progress, as always, according to their comfort level, therefore the massage time may be less.

Subsequent sessions are up to one hour in length, with the massage portion usually between 30-40 minutes, depending on the dog’s response and comfort level. Each session begins with an update on your dog including an abbreviated static and dynamic assessment, their response following the previous session, recent activities, and any upcoming activities/competitions, etc. This information is combined with the previous session history to guide the massage. During each session, I am happy to discuss my findings with you, and I will provide you a copy for your records. I will also show you some gentle techniques to support your dog’s wellness between sessions.

My training as a university credentialed canine fitness professional enables me to supplement bodywork sessions with functional exercises to support biomechanical improvement. If you wish, we can go further to support your dog’s total wellness and optimise their performance with the development of a complete fitness program. I am also happy to offer combination sessions of conditioning and bodywork to best meet the needs of you and your canine partner.

How Often Should We Book Sessions?

Bodywork has it’s best results when performed regularly. In many cases, improvements can be apparent in as few as 1 – 3 sessions, depending on the circumstances, and then can be maintained with regular sessions every 4 – 6 weeks. Highly active and performance dogs, as well as those with mobility challenges (as approved by your veterinarian) and seniors, are best supported with regular sessions every 2 to 3 weeks. Very frequently, your dog will show you when it is time to book another session; I will work with you and your dog in whichever way works best for you both. For show, sporting and working dogs, we can structure bodywork sessions to best optimise their performance schedule and use the longer rest periods to address more intensive needs.

Where Do Sessions Take Place?

Better in Motion – Canine Bodywork & Conditioning is mobile and we will work in your home or in another designated location. We are pleased to also be able to offer bodywork sessions at Dogworx Pet Ranch weekly, and on-site at selected competitions through the year both on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. We understand that many people have varied work schedules and will try hard to accommodate these. Our regular coverage area is the Powell River/qathet region and travel to areas outside this will, unfortunately, incur an additional travel charge.

For safety, proof of your dog’s current vaccination status or titres are required before your first session.

1. Study: 492 out of 527 dogs showed a reduction in pain severity scores after undergoing canine massage

Riley LM,  Satchell L,  Stilwell LM,  Lenton NS.  Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study. Vet Rec.  2021;e586. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.586