Can fascia therapy work for animals? It wasn’t something I had been asked before, but when Winston, a 10-year-old grey Standard Poodle, came into my life, I was ready to find out. His story became more than just a chance to apply my skills on four paws instead of two; it turned into a humbling reminder of the body’s innate power to heal and the transformative magic of therapeutic touch.
Facing the Challenges
Winston had been through quite a bit. His hindquarters were weak, with significant muscle wasting on his left side. And if that wasn’t enough, a luxated patella from puppyhood had gradually morphed into osteoarthritis in his right knee, making every step an exercise in stiffness and pain.
His owner had tried everything — pain relief, anti-inflammatories, rehab and strengthening exercises with a trainer. Yet, Winston was still struggling. So when she asked if I could help with bodywork, I didn’t hesitate. This gentle soul deserved relief, and I was all in to help him find it.
Listening Without Words
Animals don’t need words to communicate. Their bodies speak volumes, telling you everything you need to know if you’re listening. Much like I do with my human clients, I took the time to watch Winston closely. How he moved, how he shifted, how he held himself — these are the signals I used to form my treatment plan.
Working with fascia isn’t just about targeting the pain point. It’s about understanding the whole picture — the subtle shifts, the hidden cues — that guide you to the root of the issue. With Winston, I began where the body was holding the most tension, where movement was restricted and where discomfort was hiding.
Fascia: The Body’s Web of Connection
Fascia is like the body’s internal web — it connects everything. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, organs — it’s all woven together in one continuous system. When one area of fascia is tight, it can cause a ripple effect throughout the entire body. Holistic bodywork isn’t just about chasing symptoms; it’s about restoring balance to the whole system and trusting the body’s own ability to heal.
I began working on Winston’s right knee. It was dense, tight, and unyielding, almost like I wasn’t going to get anywhere. But slowly, I could feel the tissue start to shift — tiny adjustments, subtle, but powerful. The more I worked, the more it felt like the body was answering me back, opening up and beginning to release.
Layer by layer, I worked through the fascia, trusting that the body knew what it needed, guiding me as I went.
Muscle Wasting: The Fascial Puzzle
Then came Winston’s left hindquarters. The muscle wasting had left a significant gap, a crater of sorts, where strength and muscle tone should have been. But this wasn’t a problem to be fixed by simply focusing on the muscle. I knew that the real issue lay in the fascia, pulling things out of alignment and disrupting the flow.
By gently releasing the tension in the fascia, I allowed Winston’s body to realign naturally. It wasn’t magic. It was fascia at work, restoring balance and bringing function back to his body. By the end of the session, the crater was gone — not because the muscle had suddenly regrown, but because the fascia had been distorting the muscle. Once it released, the muscle found its natural place again.
Integration: From Release to Movement
As with every one of my therapy sessions, whether for a human or an animal, I ended with integration. For Winston, that meant working with his trainer to guide him through movement exercises. As the trainer encouraged him to move, I focused on ensuring his body stayed aligned, bringing back coordination that had been buried under discomfort.
The results were nothing short of beautiful. Winston’s tentative, awkward movements became smooth and fluid. You could see his eagerness to move, his joy in his newfound freedom. His trainer and I watched in delight as Winston performed movements that once caused him discomfort. He was regaining strength, coordination, and confidence.
The Wagging Tail
As I worked down to Winston’s tail during the final check, I noticed his tail was stiff, like a rod. Dogs rely on their tails for balance, movement, and communication, so a frozen tail can really impact their overall mobility.
When I asked his owner about it, she told me, “He’s never wagged his tail, even as a puppy.” But then, something incredible happened when we finished. Winston wagged his tail. Not just once, but with joy, repeatedly. His owner was amazed, and I couldn’t help but smile. This was the ultimate sign of release — the body’s natural response to comfort, movement and ease.
Follow-Up: Building on Progress
Two weeks later, I returned to check on Winston and follow up on a feeling I had during our first session. I’d sensed something wasn’t quite right in his front end, though I couldn’t quite pinpoint it at the time.
When I arrived, I was happy to see that the progress from our first session had held beautifully. Winston’s hips were still aligned, but I noticed some tightness in his right upper thigh. His owner mentioned that Winston had been a bit grumpy and had struggled with standing during grooming, showing signs of discomfort.
I watched him move and noticed tension in his withers (the area near his shoulder blades), his biceps and his sternum. After releasing those areas, Winston still didn’t look entirely comfortable. But it wasn’t until he lay down that the real issue revealed itself — his left wrist.
Much like how a sprained ankle affects every step we take, a wrist issue in a dog can be even more debilitating, especially since dogs carry most of their body weight through their front legs. As I worked into Winston’s wrist, I could feel the relief. It was like the final piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.
By the end of the session, Winston was stable and balanced, moving with more ease and confidence.
Why This Matters for You and Your Pet
Winston’s story is a testament to how working with the fascia can help not just people, but our pets too. If your dog (or you) is struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, my style of bodywork may be exactly what you need. Whether it’s chronic pain that’s affecting their movement or simply the need for a little extra support in healing, I’m here to help.
If your pet is in pain, or you’re dealing with discomfort yourself, don’t wait for it to get worse. Fascia therapy could be the key to restoring comfort, balance, and movement. Reach out today to see how I can help you and your pet move more freely and feel better.
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