Brandie Gibson, RVT, CVMRT

     Brandie is a registered veterinary technician.  She has been working in the veterinary field since 1995.  She understands the human-animal bond and will take extra special care of your precious family members.  Brandie graduated from the Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy course at The Healing Center in August 2003.  The Healing Oasis Wellness Center is a post-graduate institution located in Sturtevant, WI.  It's massage and rehabilitation therapy program is the only state approved certification program for licensed veterinary professionals in the United States.

What is animal massage?

     Animal massage is a complementary therapy for encouraging the animals own healing process.  Therapeutic massage works on the complete body by applying different strokes and pressure to different areas of the body to achieve the desired effect for that individual animal.  Each animal is treated and assessed as as individual.  What works for one pet might not be right for the next.  One massage session can include everything from passive touch therapy to trigger point therapy, as well as muscle kneading and stretching.  Therapeutic massage is for all ages from puppies, kittens and foals to the geriatric pet.

Why do animals need a massage?

     To achieve optimum health

     Stiffness due to age and/or injury

     Increased blood and lymph circulation

     To improve muscle tone

     Increase flexibility and range of motion

     Prevent injuries

     Relieve muscle and joint pain (lameness, arthritis, etc.)

     To improve performance in shows or trials

     Relaxation

What is rehabilitation therapy?

     Rehabilitation therapy is any measure taken to restore maximum function.  The main goals of rehabilitation therapy are rehabilitation of a specific injury, general flexibility, and general strengthening and conditioning.

How can my pet benefit from rehabilitation therapy?

     Rehabilitation therapy should be considered anytime you have an animal with an injury or illness that may effect the way the body moves and/or functions.  Examples are:

     Arthritis

     Hip dysplasia

     Fracture of a limb (after repair)

     Crutiate ligament injury

     Intervertebral disc disease

     Muscle sprain/strains

     Wobbler's disease

     Birth defects

     Rehabilitation therapy can also be used prior to an injury to help active animals cope with the strains that their bodies are put under during competition.