An Epic case study.....Home use Photobiomodoulation

When vet nurse and co-founder of Awesome Paws Agility, Trish Helme, noticed worrying
changes in her five-year old Working Cocker Epic, she immediately booked an
appointment with canine massage therapist Sarah Darling for an initial
assessment. She wondered if the process known as photobiomodulation could help
Epic get back to the active sporting life she loved. Sarah Darling of K9 Gait
Massage explains what happened next.

On my first meeting Epic, I was
taken aback by her love of life and high energy levels. Sadly, she was
showing signs of stiffness which were affecting her performance. I totally
understood that Epic, as a dog bred to work, needed the active life that Trish
was giving her by being involved in an active sport. Just as human
athletes need regular massage and re-alignment to balance and keep them in top
condition, so do dogs!

Apart from
channelling a dog's natural instincts, an active sport like agility releases
energy proactively, reduces stress and boosts endorphins while, at the same
time, building a huge bond with their human. Trish was the provider of fun,
mental dexterity, team work and physical release. Without this, it is possible
that Epic could internalise her pent-up energy and become reactive, destructive
and possibly even depressed.

My initial observation

I also discovered Epic was housing trigger
points and spasms, especially over her thoracic trapezius and
rhomboids. There was sensitivity in her right digits, her wrists were
tight and restricted which can occur through hyperextending on landing after
jumps. This in itself can lead to tensions and restrictions developing in
the shoulders. Epic's adductor muscles were also inflamed and sensitive when
touched.

Her lumbar
and pelvis were very tight especially her hips flexors, which I see quite often
due to compression on hard landing, fast take offs and overuse. Ensuring
balance is key in muscle performance, as not only can this lead to premature
fatiguing and reduced speed, but also injury and discomfort.

A bit about red light treatment...

With targeted sports massage, myofascial techniques and utilising my Photizo Vetcare device, a hand-held, red light therapy device, happily I was able to ease her trigger points, spasms and restrictions. Over the past five years, I have been integrating the hand-held Vetcare into my practice, but I have to say that the new Silent version has been a game changer. It operates in exactly the same way as the original version, but
without the beeps which signal when the 30 second pre-programmed dose has
started and finished. This noise can disturb noise sensitive or hyper-sensitive
dogs, so the silent version is now my 'go-to.'

It's really
such an invaluable asset. Not only does it help to calm anxious dogs by
cleverly stimulating endorphin release, but it promotes natural healing by
promoting circulation and reducing inflammation to specific areas.

Whether it's torn, twisted or
bruised muscles and allied soft tissues, the Vetcare harnesses the power of red
and near-infrared light, using LED technology (Light Emitting Diodes), rather
than laser light. This means no goggles are needed as LED light is no risk to
the eyes. Trish was very impressed with the Vetcare, especially in its ease of use and portability. She could immediately see Epic relax into her session very quickly. It helped facilitate some gentle
exploration in her lumber and thoracic regions which were both
sensitive, tight and sore. Through the
process known as photobiomodulation, the Vetcare delivers its pre-programmed 30 seconds evidence-based doses which stimulates a receptor in the
mitochondria (cyctochrome C Oxidase stimulation) improving energy
production (ATP), increasing circulation, reducing inflammation and other beneficial biological effects. As the Vetcare was originally designed for use at home as well as in practice, it offers owners the chance to progress in-between physical therapy sessions. Trish did decide to purchase a Vetcare to benefit Epic.

After our initial consultation and sensitivities located, I recommended a further vet check, which showed a soft tissue shoulder injury and Epic was given anti-inflammatories to help ease discomforts. I advised strict on lead walks only! No agility practice initially for four weeks.

In addition, I provided Trish
with a home management plan which consisted of exercises, massage and some specific mobilisation, release and stretch techniques, especially for the
tension in her hip flexors, lumbar and thoracic regions. Trish Helme commented: 'I'm so happy Epic is back in tiptop condition, I was so worried. I take the Vetcare with me to all our competitions. I'm relieved as it means we're both enjoying the sport we love even more now that Epic's body is re-aligned with ultimate
natural ability restored.'

About the author...

Sarah Darling, founder
of K9 Gait Massage Therapy, transferred 23 years of experience in sports and
remedial massage for humans, to dedicate her life and passion providing for the physical and mental wellbeing of dogs. She operates in the Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys areas and provides an integrated perspective combining canine massage therapy, photobiomodulation, strengthening and rehabilitation therapies along with lifestyle management. 

Sarah also
hosts canine body awareness talks and beginner canine massage workshops to help owners reap the benefits in-between sessions at home.

Photos: SeanCameronphotographic.com