I love my work! It is a privilege helping another being feel and maneuver better. As if that weren't enough I get more than my share of licks and purrs. Life is good!
Most of my clients are also patients of the Oak Park Animal Hospital where any of the veterinarians may recommend massage therapy as a compliment to the medical treatment. Ninety percent of the cats and dogs I see are truly in need of therapeutic massage. For example...
- Ella is aging and has arthritis. She takes medicine as needed to help manage the pain and inflammation. She recently added massage therapy to help stimulate her muscles and tissues, reduce the stiffness in her joints, and lessen the discomfort that comes with this condition. Ella has responded well to both treatments. Her vet has reduced the dosage of medicine and Ella continues to receive regular massage therapy.
- Axel is a palliative patient. He is being treated medically for congestive heart failure and has experienced a number of other age-related conditions, including strokes and cataracts. For Axel massage therapy interrupts the pain cycle and provides some physical stimulation. Neither massage nor medicine will cure his illnesses but together they improve his quality of life.
- Jigs was injured and temporarily lost the use of his hind legs. Using a combination of medicine and massage therapy Jigs has regained full use of his limbs and returned to his normal activities. Initially Jigs received weekly massages; now he receives maintenance massages every 3 to 4 weeks to ensure he stays limber and mobile.
- Chippy is a regular boarder at Oak Park Animal Hospital because his pet parents travel frequently and they love the care Chippy receives. Even though Chippy is comfortable with the animal hospital's staff and routine...there's no place like home. Whenever Chippy boards he gets a comfort massage to help make his stay easier.
- Wiggles has anxiety issues - scared of fireworks, thunderstorms, loud noises and strangers. Historically she headed under the bed when she heard a bang. Regular massage therapy has focused on providing Wiggles with firm and comforting touch. Her pet parents were given some basic massage and "swaddling" techniques they can use at home when Wiggles gets anxious. Now, rather than cowering under the bed Wiggles is out and about seeking comfort from her family.
- Tulip is just one of the many cats and dogs that has benefited from pre and post surgical massage. This type of massage, administered just prior to and after a medical procedure, helps the lymphatic system expedite the removal of medication, anesthesia and other foreign substances.
- KC is a canine athlete and loves to participate in agility events. Although only 4 years old even KC's muscles need preparation to help him perform and soothing after an event. Massage therapy increases blood and oxygen flow - helping warm up the muscles pre event - and reducing tightness and soreness post event.
Most of my clients are also patients of the Oak Park Animal Hospital where any of the veterinarians may recommend massage therapy as a compliment to the medical treatment. Ninety percent of the cats and dogs I see are truly in need of therapeutic massage. For example...
- Ella is aging and has arthritis. She takes medicine as needed to help manage the pain and inflammation. She recently added massage therapy to help stimulate her muscles and tissues, reduce the stiffness in her joints, and lessen the discomfort that comes with this condition. Ella has responded well to both treatments. Her vet has reduced the dosage of medicine and Ella continues to receive regular massage therapy.
- Axel is a palliative patient. He is being treated medically for congestive heart failure and has experienced a number of other age-related conditions, including strokes and cataracts. For Axel massage therapy interrupts the pain cycle and provides some physical stimulation. Neither massage nor medicine will cure his illnesses but together they improve his quality of life.
- Jigs was injured and temporarily lost the use of his hind legs. Using a combination of medicine and massage therapy Jigs has regained full use of his limbs and returned to his normal activities. Initially Jigs received weekly massages; now he receives maintenance massages every 3 to 4 weeks to ensure he stays limber and mobile.
- Chippy is a regular boarder at Oak Park Animal Hospital because his pet parents travel frequently and they love the care Chippy receives. Even though Chippy is comfortable with the animal hospital's staff and routine...there's no place like home. Whenever Chippy boards he gets a comfort massage to help make his stay easier.
- Wiggles has anxiety issues - scared of fireworks, thunderstorms, loud noises and strangers. Historically she headed under the bed when she heard a bang. Regular massage therapy has focused on providing Wiggles with firm and comforting touch. Her pet parents were given some basic massage and "swaddling" techniques they can use at home when Wiggles gets anxious. Now, rather than cowering under the bed Wiggles is out and about seeking comfort from her family.
- Tulip is just one of the many cats and dogs that has benefited from pre and post surgical massage. This type of massage, administered just prior to and after a medical procedure, helps the lymphatic system expedite the removal of medication, anesthesia and other foreign substances.
- KC is a canine athlete and loves to participate in agility events. Although only 4 years old even KC's muscles need preparation to help him perform and soothing after an event. Massage therapy increases blood and oxygen flow - helping warm up the muscles pre event - and reducing tightness and soreness post event.
