Clean Run - February 2016 - 60

works to physically smooth out muscle
fibres, which enables the fibres to lie
parallel to each other and work ﬂuidly
together, as opposed to fighting against
one another, which can cause friction
and toxin build-up. Massage not only
helps with the healing of damaged scar
tissue, but other physiological benefits
result from massage and bodywork,
including relaxing and stimulating muscles to relieve soreness, tension, stiffness, spasms, and weakness; improving
joint ﬂexibility; enhancing muscle tone;
and providing greater muscle efficiency.
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears are
serious injuries, oftentimes associated
with canine athletes, and involve rips
in the tough, fibrous bands that hold the
stiﬂe (knee) in place. The wear and tear
on limbs from participating in agility or
working trials puts dogs at risk for this
type of injury, which occurs when the
knee suddenly twists or hyperextends.
This can be caused by jumping or by
quick, weaving movements, although
some dogs can have a congenital or developmental predisposition to CCL tears.
Damage can range from a partial tear

to a complete rupture of the ligament.
Depending on the severity of the cruciate injury, signs of the problem will vary.
The result is often sudden lameness or
limping in one or both hind legs and a
swollen, painful stiﬂe joint. However, the
CCL likely will have endured excessive
wear and tear well before any observable
signs of damage become apparent.

It is important to follow guidelines given
to you by the CMT regarding treatment
and recovery. You need to take time to
carefully ease your dog back into agility
work. You should not rush him back into
doing the same amount of work as before
the injury, because he may encounter the
same damage again, especially if his fitness level has declined. When unused,
muscles degenerate, and after a period
of time, become atrophied and weak.
Therefore, they need time to regenerate
and strengthen, and massage can assist
with this recovery.

Other Benefits of Massage

If surgery is not required, massage can
assist with strengthening the stiﬂe joint
and surrounding muscles, so that the CCL
can begin the mending process. If surgery
is required, massage can be introduced
once healing has begun, in order to help
strengthen the muscles and speed up the
recovery time through immune support
and inﬂammation management.

Aside from injury rehabilitation, massage also improves oxygen supply to
blood cells and decreases blood pressure,
while encouraging the development of
a stronger cardiac muscle. Additional
benefits include pain relief, stimulation
of motor nerves, increased range of motion, improved immune system through
the ﬂushing of toxins, relaxed intestinal
muscles and improved blood ﬂow to the
alimentary (digestive) tract, stimulated
liver and kidney function, and improved
appetite. It also has beneficial effects on

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