The benefits of massage are emotional and physical, and they are very similar to the benefits of massage on humans. Being touched is a form of love and is very healing.
The most common reasons for massage:
- Relieves pain for arthritis, post orthopedic surgeries and pressure sores.
- Increases blood and lymph circulation in older pets which can reduce stiffness and improve the immune system which speeds healing time.
- Helps with senior pet issues (arthritis, stiffness).
- Helps to prevent atrophy in little used muscles; and helps to prevent tension in overused muscles; (These conditions occur in pets with orthopedic problems (limping, dysplasia or orthopedic surgery.)
- Reduces aches and pains in large, quickly growing puppies by increasing flexibility and releasing endorphins.
- Relieves anxiety in newly adopted pets or pets with general anxiety.
- Helps to socialize pets that dislike being handled.
Some additional benefits are:
- Keeps skin and coat healthy.
- Improves digestion and increases appetite.
- Increases range of motion through stretching.
- Strengthens and tones muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Alerts owner to undetected lumps.
- Releases toxins.
- Reduces amount of medication needed for pain.
- Releases endorphins — amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkill