Canine Massage by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt

Author:Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dogwise Publishing

7.30 Maintenance Massage: Thorax Drainage Work

The Recuperation Massage Routine

The recuperation routine is a great help in avoiding the build-up of lactic acid, which is responsible for the formation of trigger points especially after heavy exercising. This routine is intended to assist the lymphatic circulation and speed up recovery time. For this purpose we will mostly use lots of effleurages, gentle wringings and large thumb or finger kneadings, depending on the area you are working on.

The recuperation routine is usually applied after exercise. Hydrotherapy (see Chapter 10 ) is very useful in this routine, as swollen nodes are very sore to the touch. If an Inflammation is present, use cold hydrotherapy to relieve the irritation. Otherwise, if there is no sign of Inflammation, use the vascular flush or heat to relieve congestion and assist with circulation of the lymph fluid.

Lymph channels run everywhere in the body but are mostly located along the spine and the deep arteries. Lymph nodes — glands that act as filters to clean bacteria and unwanted particles — are found along the lymph channels. Lymph nodes are also found in patches at the junction of the limbs and the trunk on the inside of the legs.

The recuperation routine should be performed very gently because you are dealing with irritated tissues due to inflamed nerve endings, in response to high levels of lactic acid. Use mostly effleurage moves done lightly with 2 or 3 pounds pressure over the tender areas, 5 to 7 pounds on thicker muscle groups. When no strong inflammation is present, you may use light vibrations over specific lymph node areas; it is very effective in decongesting and stimulating the circulation. Gentle thumb, finger or palmar kneadings may be used to stir up the circulation in thick muscle areas.

Use a light 3 to 5 pound pressure around the leg joints with small, light, circular effleurages. In a recuperation routine, drain the lymphatic fluid in the direction of the heart; but first decongest swollen and inflamed nodes before bringing more fluid to them. Use cold hydrotherapy to soothe nerve endings and cool of the Inflammation. If you have to deal with patches of enlarged lymph nodes, apply the swelling technique routine to decongest them. Start at the periphery of the nodes, using light circular effleurages and drain the nodes from the center towards the outside.

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