Body Mechanics Archives · PetMassage™ Training and Research Institute

Pandemic Insights and Opportunities

The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a lot about us and our culture. One thing it has shown us is just how much we depend on our dogs for our basic human needs i.e., companionship, love, and protection. The pet care industry is more essential than you can imagine. All of us in it are busy,…

Best massage ever.

Bliss. You’ve heard the Joseph Campbell admonition to “follow your bliss.” That’s exactly what I get to do in every PetMassage. Just last week I described my excitement every time I get to massage a dog. I used the term “giddy happy.” The dogs and I share waves of endorphin rushes together. It’s addictive for…

Is massaging dogs/animals as hard on the therapist’s body as it can be when massaging humans?

I received an email from someone who states “I am interested in your program to become certified in canine massage. I was a licensed massage therapist for about 15 years and “retired” the table last year after developing a back issue as well as hand/wrist issues. I say all this to ask, is massaging dogs/animals…

Sit on a stool while giving a canine massage.

Sit on a stool while giving a canine massage. Using a stool will make your canine massage practice easier and more enjoyable. You’ll experience less fatigue and discomfort. You’ll add longevity to your practice. You’ll have more options for positioning your body vis-a-vis the dog on the table. Every canine massage you give will be a far more effective therapeutic treatment.…

In PetMassage our Hands are our Primary Tools.

In PetMassage our Hands are our Primary Tools. This is a slightly modified version of this title than that which you view on the YouTube video. We communicate with dogs using our hands. Touch. Dogs are more aware of the subtleties and nuances in our touch than people, so we need to know what signals…

Canine Massage on Table vs Floor

Canine Massage on Table vs Floor This week we released a new video on our YouTube channel. In it I share my views on practicing canine massage on a table compared to working on the floor. Both have their place. Whenever and however possible though, we need to maintain mindful and ergonomic body mechanics. It is essential…

Moving Like a Potted Palm

Moving Like a Potted Palm Did you see it? We are posting new YouTube videos every Tuesday at 2 pm. The most recent is “Moving Like a Potted Palm” Feng Shui/Tai Qi This is one of the body mechanics exercises that we practice during our PetMassage Foundation Level workshop. It’s a variation of a Feng…

PetMassage Foundation Level Workshop – Refresher

We just completed the final Foundation Level Workshop of the year. The students were all enthusiastic, attentive, responsible, and passionate about embarking on new careers helping dogs using massage. Everyone was so committed; the week flew by in a euphoric blur. The workshop ends with smiles, tearful hugs, and optimism-tinged with a little apprehension. As…