More about WaterWork for dogs

by Jonathan Rudinger

“’Taking the waters’ is a phrase from ancient times that holds mysterious connotations. Taking the waters was, and is, a physical venture into healing, clearing and rejuvenation,” writes J. Paul de Vierville. “The ancients believed that it cleansed the body, relaxed the heart, refreshed the mind and purified the soul.”

Diane Tigtmeier Massage & Bodywork, October/November 2005, describes other traditions based on water such as the Russian bath with its Siberian shamanic origins. Many of these traditions involved hot vapor soaks followed by cold plunges.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Western scientists, using microscopes discovered tiny organisms in the water. Hydrolytic and magnetic polarizations expanded on the newly discovered electricity  They and their contemporary healers began to experiment with water in spas and health clinics. The rejuvenating influences of water, an accepted therapy thousands of years ago, was still effective in the age of scientific inquiry.

As with PetMassage, the process is always nonlinear. What is affected cannot be easily connected to the effects. The effects are impossible to connect with all the permutations of variations of unknown causes. Each session is a unique event during which your dog will be able to become and feel looser and more flexible. Sessions are gentle and nurturing. The PetMassage™ WaterWork experience affects the dog’s entire body. PetMassage™ WaterWork, canine water massage as an artistic form, will complement every form of rehabilitation and training. Its object is move in joyfulness and love, to empower, and re-establish balance.

Water, as we know, is the source of all life. Life on this plain and planet cannot exist without it. Water, as seen through the eyes of scientist, Masaro Emoto, is a mirror of life, reflecting back to us our thoughts and feelings. Our thoughts and feelings, as we have learned from contemporary psychologists and philosophers, are affected by our choices.

Contemporary science understands that the process of observation of an event affects the event. We have a new, enhanced understanding of ourselves, our canine companions, and how we all interact within natural patterns. We yearn and strive to create balance and order in our lives. Without order, balance and purpose, we are out of tune with the natural order. We are stuck out in the swirling eddies of confusion and despair. Realizing this, we access the support of water to actually influence it; amplifying its healthful affects. 

It is important to understand what it is not. It is not using a garden hose to douse your dog in the hot summer heat. So it is not a Vichy shower. It is not swimming with your dog in an ocean, a lake, a pond or your backyard pool. This is all fun, however it is not massage. It is not observing your dog swimming independently in water. It is not physical therapy for dogs. And, it is definitely not a substitute for veterinary care.

It does, however complement and augment post- and pre-surgical protocols, to enhance the natural vitality of the dog's body.

The University of Tennessee was the first to combine PT with Veterinary Medicine. The program was to successful that it is now available in many other vet schools including The Ohio State University, Michigan State University, and UC Davis. In the new field of canine rehabilitation (University of Tennessee, Canine Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy, Millis, Levine, and Taylor), two procedures are prominent in practically every program: massage and swimming. PetMassage™ WaterWork can be included with, and can enhance, many veterinary post-surgical and non-surgical rehabilitation regimens.

http://landofpuregold.com/challenge-physical.htm shows a multi-state and Canadian list of schools now offering canine rehabilitation, Quoting this page: There are many conditions that are treated with veterinary rehabilitation. These include arthritic, paralysis, pain, disc disease, limb deformities, amputations, obesity and weight management, physical weakness, lack of endurance and strength, pre and pos-op orthopedic and neurologic surgery.  Based upon a thorough evaluation process several different rehabilitation therapies may be prescribed. these include … manual physiotherapy (joint mobilization) land and underwater treadmills, hydrotherapy, massage, stretching and range of motion activities, hot/cold therapy.

This is a powerful canine bodywork, with a huge potential for softening and enhancing the dog's ROM, ROE (Range of Emotion). and overall quality of life.

Imagine the dynamics, flexibility, and therapeutic value that dogs can get moving in a warm water, non-weight bearing, environment. Imagine holding and supporting a dog, suspended in water; guiding the body in your arms in large, sweeping movements across the surface of the water. Feel how the water drags and drifts the myofascial tissue and articular connections. Your secure presence, based on the training and skills you've learned, resolves fears and apprehensions the dog exhibited when first entering the water. In your hands, the dog relaxes, allowing integumentary and musculoskeletal structures to float into and away from each other. Restrictions from holding patterns release. Alternative neuromuscular systems engage. Your dog experiences his body WaterWorking: joyful, relaxing, rejuvenating, rebalancing, reconditioning, resoundingly and amazingly therapeutic and beneficial.