If your animal is presenting with any of the below contraindications, it is imperative that your Bodyworker consult with your Veterinarian first to understand the severity of the condition, and to receive confirmation that Bodywork is approved for your horse or dog.
Shock: An animals blood pressure will lower due to shock, it is important that we do not lower the blood pressure further with bodywork and massage as this can lead to a fatal drop.
Fever: This is the body’s mechanism to fight infection, the body should be respected at this time to fight without interference. Bodywork and massage could elevate the fever to a dangerous level for your animal that could cause seizures and brain damage.
Cancer: Bodywork and Massage can spread, or speed up the spread of, certain types of cancer. HOWEVER, massage can benefit some types of cancer’s, so it is important that your Bodyworker consult with your Vet before proceeding.
Open Wounds: Massaging over open flesh wounds can amplify pain, and make the wounds worse. Advanced Photonic Therapy (Red Light) is the only treatment we offer that can assist with wound healing, however, consultation with a vet would be necessary before proceeding.
Torn Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments: Depending on the severity, bodywork and massage could increase the amount of bleeding and trauma. A consult with your vet is required to understand the level of injury, and to gain permission from your Vet for a Bodyworker to work on your animal before proceeding.
Skin Diseases: Certain Skin Conditions such as Ringworm, can be made worse with massage and bodywork. Please consult with your Veterinarian if there is Skin Dermatitis present to determine what is the cause and to ask if Bodywork can be performed.
Acute Stages of Disease: I do not work on animals when they are in the Acute Stages of Disease as a precautionary to protect your animals health, and any animals I work on after yours that day. Example of Acute Disease: Equine or Canine Influenza.
Neurological Symptoms: If there are neurological Symptoms present in your animal, it is important to consult your Vet with urgency. A Bodyworker may be indicated to work with your animal at some point, but the Vet is your first port of call.
Fractures: This goes without saying, and of course, needs to be referred to a Vet urgently.
Diabetes: APT Red Light Therapy is not recommended for animals (or humans) with Diabetes.
Medications: If your animal is on prescription pharmaceutical medications to decrease their pain, inflammation, and other symptoms please inform your Bodyworker of this so it can be determined if Bodywork/Massage is a contraindication at that time. A quick phone call to the Vet who has treated your animal and prescribed medication may be made to confirm if we may proceed.
Specific Prescription Pharmaceutical Medications to inform your Bodyworker of:NSAIDS (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Commonly used to decrease pain and inflammation.
* Could interfere with blood clotting and long term use can cause gastric ulcers and bruising or bleeding in the tissues.Steroids: Used for a variety of reasons, and have immune suppressive and anti-inflammatory properties.
* Long term use can cause weakening of bone and cartilage.
* Common steroids are prednisone and dexamethasoneMuscle Relaxants: Given for relief of spasms and may alter muscle tone and pain levels.
* Light Pressure Massage, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, and Advanced Photonic (Red Light) Therapy are typically still suitable in this situation.
CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BODYWORK:
There are also some Considerations to factor in before proceeding with Bodywork.
Email:
info@equik9bodywork.com
