As an integrative medicine practice, Fairfax Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer our patients therapeutic massage with Cassi, one of our amazing veterinary assistants. In 2015 Cassi began her journey into massage therapy after watching her dog, Sadie, struggle with chronic pain and treatments that only lasted a short time. Cassi was inspired to seek out alternative therapies and options. Cassi has learned therapeutic massage techniques and skills for geriatric and animal athletes. She continues her training with workshops such as myofascial trigger point work and continuing education in rehabilitative medicine. She hopes to sit for the national board certification in animal massage very soon.
Massage has been used throughout history to help promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Therapeutic massage can help patients age gracefully, decrease pain, help patients recovering from injury, and help decrease stress.
Benefits of massage:
- Decreases pain
- Increases circulation
- Improves flexibility
- Improves lymphatic flow
- Early detection of abnormalities
- Improves emotional well-being
- Decreases anxiety and stress
What to expect during an appointment:
- initial appointments are typically an hour to allow the therapist to do an evaluation and obtain a physical/emotional history
- Most patients tolerate and enjoy a massage, but it is common for the patient to be restless or guarded during the first session until they understand what the therapist is doing
- It is important for the environment to be calming so we will provide comfortable bedding, a quiet space, calming music and limit stress
- Please let us know if your pet is reactive to other dogs or cats so we can avoid added stress