The Dog Owners Guide to Myofascial Release Therapy

PAWS AND RELEASE

the DOG OWNERS

guide to

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE WRITTEN BY JADE OCHOA

WELCOME The dog that inspired this book, Max, has a serious rescue story. A story that really deserves a book of its own. However, for this guide we will just simply say that Myofascial Release Therapy gave Max back a quality of life that we never knew could be possible for him.

Animals tissues store trauma and pain in the same way that humans bodies do: in our fascia. These ‘issues in our tissues’ cause far reaching side effects, physically, behaviorally and energetically.

Dogs innately want to feel good.

They naturally move their bodies in restorative ways, stretching and unwinding. The slow, calming and nurturing approach of Myofascial Release Therapy is well received by dogs. Often with much more ease than their humans, as animals simply do not allow their thoughts to get in the way of change.

We, as owners, can gently and effectively facilitate this self-corrective healing process and help your dog return to a paws-itively active and pain free life with Myofascial Release Therapy.

Jade & Max

PAWS AND RELEASE

UNDERSTANDING MYOFASCIAL RELEASE:

A Therapeutic Technique for Dogs Myofascial Release is an effective and relaxing hands on therapy that applies gentle, sustained pressure into fascial restrictions. The fascia is a dense network of collagen fibers that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. When the fascia becomes tight or restricted, the effects on your dogs mobility, character and activity levels can be huge.

During a myofascial release session, the therapist uses their hands to locate areas of tension or restriction in a dog's fascia. They then apply gentle pressure and traction to these areas to release the tension, improve mobility, restore normal tissue function and promote overall wellbeing. Myofascial Release is a slow, calming and nurturing technique that animals respond incredibly well to receiving .

The goal of myofascial release is to promote relaxation, relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being in dogs. It can be particularly beneficial for dogs with musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle stiffness, limited range of motion, or scar tissue formation due to injuries or surgeries. Additionally, myofascial release can support athletic dogs, senior dogs, and those experiencing stress or anxiety.

Jade Ochoa

PAWS AND RELEASE UNLEASH YOUR DOGS BEST LIFE

Myofascial Release is Ideal for Any dog experiencing pain, stiffness or reduced mobility. Dogs who have experienced intense stress such as an attack, accident or rehoming can also benefit deeply from this work.

Reasons for Myofascial Pain in Dogs: Muscle Strain or Tear, Liagament Sprains Compensating behaviours in dogs with osteoarthritis, joint dysplasia, back pain or other joint issues Activities of Daily Living eg: Jumping on/off furniture Anything repetitive eg: high energy ball chasing High impact or trauma including 'body slamming' by other dogs Dehydration or dogs that don’t drink much water Agility Dogs Natural conformation Extended Crate Rest Old Age

Signs of Myofascial Problems Include: Skin twitching or flinching Yelping when touched in an area Sore back legs Tight skin They may grimace or have ‘tickly’ spot around the middle of the back Restricted Range Of Motion Reluctant to petted/groomed Excessively rolling on their back Hair flicking up where it hasn’t before A nervous or anxious character A dog that is reluctant to be handled

What Therapy can do for your Dog Relieve sore & painful Trigger Points (knots) in both muscle and fascia

Relieve muscle stiffness and joint soreness improving comfort levels

Increase mobility & flexibility

Rehydrate scar tissue and adhesions between the skin, muscles and bones

Reduce pain & anxiety levels Break down the painspasm-pain cycle

Help stimulate the body’s ability to re-align itself correcting muscle imbalance

PAWS AND RELEASE

Unleash the Benefits of Myofascial Release for Your Canine Companion Pain Relief Myofascial release can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by tight or restricted fascia. Releasing areas of tension throughout the body alleviates muscle soreness, stiffness, and inflammation, promoting pain relief in dogs.

Stress Reduction Dogs, especially those who have experienced trauma or anxiety, can hold tension in their bodies. Myofascial release can help release physical and emotional tension, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels in dogs.

Improved Mobility Dogs with tight or restricted fascia may experience limited range of motion and stiffness. Myofascial release can help improve flexibility and mobility by releasing tension and restoring normal tissue function. This can be particularly beneficial for senior dogs or those recovering from injuries or surgeries.

PAWS AND RELEASE

Enhanced Performance Dogs involved in athletic activities or working dogs can benefit from myofascial release. By releasing tension and optimizing the function of the fascia, it can improve muscle coordination, agility, and overall performance.

Rehabilitation Support For dogs recovering from injuries or surgeries, myofascial release can aid in the rehabilitation process. It can help break down scar tissue, improve blood circulation, and enhance tissue healing, promoting faster recovery and minimizing the risk of future injuries.

Overall Well-Being Myofascial release can have a positive impact on a dog's overall wellbeing. By promoting relaxation, pain relief, and improved mobility, it can enhance their quality of life and contribute to their overall health and happiness.

HOW WE CAN HELP OUR DOGS

Paws & Release As a dog owner, we know and understand our animals in a way that no one else can.

Our dogs feel safe with us. Our bond with them gives us, as owners, a unique opportunity to truly help them heal and feel their best.

As a Myofascial Release Therapist, I work with you and your animal companion to feel, heal and release these restrictions in the fascial system where the tissue may be stuck, hardened, dehydrated and malfunctioning.

Virtual Myofascial Release Sessions

Find out more about working with Jade

A Guided Home-Care session focused on empowering Dog owners with simple, effective and easily applicable Myofascial Release Techniques to help their animals on a daily basis. Learn to locate areas of fascial restriction and facilitate a a release from home.

In-Person Energy Healing & Myofascial Release Sessions Availavble in Santa Cruz, CA and surrounding areas.