"Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul"
Pythogoras
"Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul"
Pythogoras
Massage Therapy
Massage is deliberate and focused touch. It uses a range of movements at varying pressures to manipulate all the soft tissues of the body. Bodywork techniques also incorporate passive range of motion and stretching. Helping to realign bones and joints.
Soft tissues include:
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the skin
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adipose tissue
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muscles
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tendons and ligaments
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connective tissue or fascia
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some internal organs.
A Brief History
Massage has long been considered a healing art and a science.The first documented records discovered in China in 722 BC shows widespread use. Hippocrates, considered the ‘father’ of modern medicine, references massage in his lectures. He identifies the practice as being an integral aspect of medical treatment.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that even the ancient Romans and Egyptians practiced animal massage. More recently, in the 1970's, equine massage became a formal part of the racing world. Less than a decade later, canine massage also became a popular form of therapy.
The development of specialist certification programs has ensured professionalism in the industry and recognition of this practice in the veterinary arena. More and more people are discovering the myriad of benefits massage therapy offers their own pets.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
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Has a positive impact on all the systems of the body.
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Promotes relaxation of the body and decreases hyperactivity.
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Calms the mind and reduces anxiety related issues.
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Stimulates the release of the ‘feel good’ hormones dopamine and serotonin.
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Creates feelings of euphoria and a sense of safety.
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Reduces the levels of the ‘stress’ hormone cortisol.
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Increases the body's ability to produce endorphins which interrupt the pain cycle.
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Improves blood and lymph circulation which supports immune functioning.
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Keeps the skin and coat in good condition.
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Promotes tissue healing and reduces scar formation.
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Prevents sporting injuries, keeps them in optimal physical shape.
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Maintains mobility in the older or recuperating pet.
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Treats and prevents painful Trigger Points.
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Increases flexibility and ensures joint health is maintained.
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Improves balance, posture and overall performance.
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Can be used at all life stages.
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Supports a healthy, happy and well-balanced pet.
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Helps them live their best life.
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Makes them feel great!
My Story
Welcome to FurTherapy. I am Marisa, a fully qualified and Nationally Board Certified Canine Massage Practitioner (NBCAAM) and proud to be the instructor for the Canis Bodyworks Mentorship Program within New Zealand. I began my professional career with a degree in Health Science and a certificate in Homeopathy. I then completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, followed by a Conservation and Environmental Science qualification, which led me to work in the Biosecurity field. Having always had a love for animals, I decided to follow my true passion - working with dogs and their people.
My entire life has been dedicated to my own pets. When my dogs began to face some age-related health issues - including arthritis and ligament injuries, vestibular disease and ataxia, immune disorders and cancer - my desire to help them encouraged me to begin doing more research into the field of restorative and preventative care.
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My dogs had always been energetic and active, and I hated seeing them struggling. My desire to help ease their pain and give them the quality of life they were entitled to, led me to begin my journey into the world of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. I realised the positive effects on my own dogs were far exceeding any expectations and I wanted all dogs to experience this ... and for pet parents to feel empowered to support their furry family members too.
Going through the palliative care process and subsequent grief of having to say farewell to my elderly dogs, I gained another level of understanding of how massage can benefit the whole family during this time. Teaching caregivers some simple techniques to support their beloved pets is a hugely important aspect of the service I offer.
My volunteer work in animal rescue then led to me to put my hand up to foster an amputee puppy. I thought I could temporarily offer my expertise in rehabilitation and recovery massage - but this little tripaw had other plans - she made herself at home in my heart! Her rehab continues...
An exciting new chapter is unfolding ...
Therapeutic Canine Massage is a growing industry in New Zealand. More and more people are understanding the need to advocate for their pets well-being, guardians are becoming proactive in maintaining the health of their animals in a holistic way, and are seeking out knowledgeable science-based professionals to support them in caring for their precious fur-friends. In order to be experts in the field and to maintain a high standard of practice, the education and certification needs to reflect this. Utilising my academic and teaching background, as well as my hands-on experience and extensive training in Chicago, I am now making sure this is accessible to all Kiwis (and their canines and cats too!).
So if you love your pets the way I love and care about my own, then get in touch... together we can help them live their best lives!