How Much Pressure To Use In Canine Massage

Pressure

The amount of pressure used in a stroke can vary greatly. You must practice these strokes to become proficient at controlling pressure. A FLIT should be a balanced stroke with the same pressure used from beginning to end. A good way to practice is with a scale. If you have access to a food scale then use it however, a bathroom scale that measures in 2lb dashes will also work.

1)      Feel how much pressure it takes to move the scale less than one dash or less than 2lbs.

2)      Feel the amount of pressure required to move the scale 5, 10, 15 pounds.

3)      Rub your first two fingers over the scale evenly at each of the above mentioned pressure amounts. (At 5 pounds or more you may switch to an open hand or palm).

4)      Do this again without moving the needle at all. (This is usually ½ lb pressure or less).

5)      Now glide your fingers down your own arm and imagine a pressure of the weight of a quarter.

6)      Become well aware of these different levels of pressure and keep in mind that a dog can feel the weight of a fly on its back or head!

It is wise to support the back (place a hand under the dog) when applying heavy pressure to the dogs topside. For a toy poodle this may be when applying ½ -1 lb pressure, or 10 lbs on a Golden Retriever. Imagine it is you that is under the weight, and use judgment. Another rule of thumb is to support the back when applying more than 1 pound of pressure for every 10 pounds of the dogs’ weight. In the case of older dogs or ill dogs, use judgment and gentleness. Always be silently communicating with the dog in order to immediately recognize signs of discomfort.

Do not use pressure of more than 2 pounds (much less in small breeds) in sensitive areas such as over the eyes, the side of the head (temple region). Do not apply pressure to individual vertebra (with the exception of stroking over the vertebra when using FLITS or SLITS.  You’ll learn more about this when we address acupressure.

Muscles in the body are usually deep layers (under other muscles) or superficial layers (closest to the skin). We will not study the depth of a particular muscle however, you should know that deep layers are stimulated with more pressure and superficial layers are stimulated with less pressure.

So then, keep in mind that lighter stokes will not stimulate deep muscle layers as much as it will superficial layers of muscle. When treating muscles, a variety of pressure amounts should be used.

There are other massage techniques that will be discussed in continuing education after your Level 1 Certification if desired. What you will learn here is completely sufficient to perform Pet Massage and Acupressure with integrity and skill. The greatest gift you can give yourself and your client is to practice strokes, pressure and speed on as many animals as possible. Remember: Gentleness is a virtue and an art. In a world where violence and dominating control seem to be all too prevalent. You will never error when being gentle… and gentle is always effective. However, there are many cases where deep muscle layers will need heavy pressure. Use wisdom and experience in every situation.