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Soft Tissue Manipulation
A manual therapy for veterinary nurses
The integrity of soft tissues is very important in canines and felines due to their demands for total body mobility, agility and speed. Restrictions and abnormalities in soft tissue can have adverse affects on the overall body function and health of the animal. Soft tissue manipulation (STM) has been refined in recent years in small animals and is much more than a canine massage. STM addresses the musculo-skeletal system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system and the nervous system. In short it can greatly enhance the animals health and is extremely effective in convalescing and geriatric patients. The application of STM is extremely gentle and non-invasive. The vast majority of canines will lie on their side and relax and soak up the effects of having their body tensions relieved.
In human medicine the neuromuscular technique (NMT) and muscle energy technique (MET) are nursing interventions that can reduce pain and muscle rigidity, lengthen muscle fibers and increase range of motion necessary for normal motor behavior. Nurses can use these techniques in patients with acute neurological diseases and those recovering in rehabilitation and long-term care settings (†). Probably one of the greatest skills a veterinary nurse can have is to be able to help animals in their recovery or general health by having an understanding of normal tissue integrity and the gentle manual techniques which will subtly stimulate the animal to heal itself. Learning to feel healthy tissue and learning to feel for signs of disease early in the health picture is part of STM.
Soft tissue manipulation can be used to reduce muscle tension and spasms, reduce pain and enhance the range of motion of joints whose function depends on the involved muscles. STM encompasses a range of techniques that include myofascial tension release, trigger point therapy, lymph drainage, myotherapy and range of non force techniques to relieve back pain. STM is highly effective for post-operative recovery and hospitilised animals where pain and stress relief is required.
If you are interested in learning more about STM please contact us.
† Roberts BL J Neurosci Nurs. 1997 Apr;29(2):123-7
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