Canine Massage Therapist Certification
Canine massage therapy is said to offer numerous health benefits, according to Equissage School of Animal Massage. In an attempt to minimize invasive medical procedures, professionals who work with animals recommend massage therapy as an alternative treatment. Therapeutic treatments for canines include physical therapy, nutrition and chiropractic therapy. Individuals seeking a certification in canine massage therapy must enjoy caring for animals and have a sincere interest in helping to cure them.
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Purpose
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Canine massage therapy is designed to provide hands-on deep tissue treatment to the voluntary muscle system. The purpose of applying massage therapy for canines is to relieve tension, muscle spasms, increase muscle tone and promote circulation. Canine massage therapy is believed to promote rapid healing and increase the range of motion in all breeds of dogs, according to Equissage School of Animal Massage. Dog owners and breeders rely on canine massage therapy, making it an essential component of health care programs for pet owners. Due to its universal effectiveness, and with some additional training, canine massage therapy can be easily be used to treat other companion animals such as cats.
Curriculum
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Canine massage therapists must master the application and sequence of massage techniques and strokes. Students must learn basic physiology of the muscles, the location of each major muscle and muscle group in canines. Students must be familiar with the activity controlled by each muscle and conditions that are specific to dogs if their muscles are not adequately nourished through good blood and lymphatic circulation. The curriculum also includes proper handling techniques of all breeds of dogs. In addition to learning about canine massage therapy, students receive instruction in business and marketing strategies for canine massage therapists.
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Certification
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Prospective students seeking certification in canine massage therapy can complete their training in traditional classrooms or through self-study programs. Students who take self-study training can complete the coursework at their own pace. The training provides a series of intensive modules and lessons. After the completion of the final module, students must take a final qualifying examination. Students are required to submit a full massage therapy video session with a dog. Students who pass the written and video exam receive a certificate in canine massage therapy.
Considerations
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Certified canine massage therapists receive 50 hours of continuing education credit hours. The continuing education credit hours are approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Prospective students seeking canine massage therapy certificate courses should check the credentials of the program provider. Important indicators of a reputable canine massage therapy program provider include the number of articles have appeared in national publications, either about the program or the instructor.
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References
- Photo Credit Collie Dog on Dog Bed image by Janet Wall from Fotolia.com
