Page Title

Benefits of Animal Acupressure and Massage

Kim working on Buddy Whitman
at Good Fortune Farms Alpacas
in Parkdale, Oregon.

Kim with her horse Diego.

Kim Bauer, CL/CSAMP, CAAP Animal Ease Therapies, LLC

Acupressure and massage can:

* improve circulation
* help balance muscle tension
* improve work efficiency
* increase flexibility
* help stimulate the healing properties of the body.

They are NOT a substitute for veterinary care. An animal massage practitioner
cannot diagnose or treat illnesses.

When to use them

* During training, work, showing, etc. to optimize performance, reduce risk of injury,
improve recovery time
* During recovery from an injury or illness (must be approved by a vet!)
* During confinement for any reason
* After a challenging workout
* Before any anticipated stress (physical or mental)
* During a transition of level or type of work
* During growth
* To improve behaviors related to touch (grooming, handling, etc.)
* Before or after chiropractic adjustments
* To potentially improve quality of movement or lameness when the cause does not
seem to be due to something treatable by your vet (Have your vet determine this.)

When not to use them

Acupressure and massage should not be used when an animal has a fever, an
infection or a congestive heart condition. This is because both therapies help to move
fluids and toxins in an animal’s body and if the immune system is already
compromised then a session might delay the healing.