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FAQs

Canine Myofunctional Therapy Explained

Canine Myofunctional Therapy Greater Brisbane

Have a question? Here’s the answer.

Interested in massage / myofunctional therapy for your dog? Here are a few FAQs to help you understand what we offer, why it’s beneficial for your dog and preparing for your appointment. If you don’t see your question, you can contact us.

What is Canine Myofunctional Therapy?

Canine Myofunctional Therapy (CMT), or Canine Massage, is a
therapeutically applied professional hands-on treatment for dogs. It is a complementary treatment involving remedial soft tissue and sports massage, stretching techniques, physical therapy exercises, and lifestyle management.

Appropriately applied CMT techniques are used to assist all breeds of dogs and their different life stages.
I am happy to work in conjunction with your vet to achieve the best outcome for your dog.

Why and when do dogs need a massage?

Repeated micro-trauma of muscles occurs from tiny tears in the muscle fibres. By the time the dog shows any symptoms such as limping, lameness or stiffness, several issues have already occurred. Understanding and being aware of the different muscle injuries help us in understanding, preventing and reducing the likelihood of further injury.

  • RSI – repetitive strain injury
  • Poor conformation or structural imbalances, which lead to poor muscle development
  • Overweight or underweight
  • Constant pulling on the lead whilst walking, running, or rough play with other dogs for long durations
  • Slipping and losing traction on tiled and polished wooden floors
  • Jumping in and out of cars or up and down on sofas and beds
  • Leaping up and down stairs
  • Regularly leaping for toys
The benefits of Canine Myofunctional Therapy (CMT)

The benefits of Canine Myofunctional Therapy (CMT)
When applied regularly or consistently, massage helps to prevent the effects of stress and anxiety by inducing a more relaxed state, reducing the heart and respiratory rate. Additional benefits also include:

• Improves skin and coat condition
• Encourages the body to heal itself
• Provides comfort at all stages of life
• Increases the speed of recovery after an injury
• Aids in the elimination of waste and toxins
• Improves circulation, which increases nutrition to the tissues
• Releases muscle tension and spasms by restoring the muscle to a more normal resting length
• Relaxes the patient through mental calm as it decreases stress and pain through endorphin release
• Increased quality of life in senior dogs by slowing the natural ageing process
• Improves a dog’s agility in play, working or competition through the positive effects on and around the muscles, tendons, and fascia
• Increases the range of movement, which helps maintain the suppleness and flexibility of the joints by stimulating the production of synovial fluid. This assists with moving more freely, promoting greater mobility and flexibility
• Reducing the build-up of adhesions in the muscles surrounding an injury or overworked muscle

What is included in your dog’s treatment plan?

 and   OOOOurOur• 1 x FREE initial phone consultation (approximately 20 to 30 minutes)
• A Wellness Assessment Form must be completed before booking, including medical history, home, diet and excercise details
• 1 x initial home visit (including travel – within 30km from Aspley)
• A visual observation of your dog to assess posture, muscle development, conformation traits, and coat condition (this includes taking photos and videos)
• A visual gait analysis
• Our NEW Laser,  Infrared light therapy and essential oils is complimentary with every treatment.
• Soft Tissue Physical Assessment – using a flat hand to assess tight muscles, muscle function / dysfunction, and the dog’s reaction to touch
• 1 x initial massage (session time approximately 90 to 120 minutes)
• 1 x treatment plan will be formulated that includes tailored exercises which you can apply at home between treatments and other lifestyle recommendations

Follow-up massage sessions can vary between 30 to 50 minutes,
depending on your dog’s needs.

How often is massage treatment needed?

Every dog is different, and each treatment is tailored to their individual needs. Initially, we typically see your dog weekly for six weeks and review and assess it after the sixth session.

What should I expect after the massage?

It’s perfectly normal for your dog to be thirsty and may need to rest and sleep more than usual— I recommend no excessive exercise for 48 hours after a massage treatment. 

How should I prepare for my dog's session?

All I need is a quiet room or space free from other dogs or distractions. Ensure your dog has been to the toilet before the session so they are comfortable. No food one hour before a treatment. Just a light walk before a treatment. If the weather is warm, please turn on the air conditioner at least 15 minutes before the session to keep the room cool and comfortable.

What dogs benefit from CMT?
  • Puppies and Adolescents’ growth development
  • Active, sporting & working dogs
  • Injury & RSI management
  • Pre & Post-surgery care & rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy Exercises
  • Seniors – Arthritis & Palliative Care
Can Infrared light therapy and Laser help my ageing dog?

Yes absolutely. Used over areas of pain and stiffness, the therapy will open up circulation and shift inflammation. As a result, many clients report significant improvement in their dog’s movement, activity and general well-being from using the red light therapy and Laser.

Infrared light therapy and Laser is complimentary with every treatment.

Can Infrared light therapy do any harm to my dog?

It is very safe to use the body will only absorb what it needs in any session.

Infrared light therapy is complimentary with every treatment.

How does Infrared light therapy help my dog?

Red light therapy is highly beneficial for dogs because it can penetrate deep into muscles, tendons, and ligaments and promote a strong healing response. In addition, predominantly red and infrared light therapy increases circulation, collagen production, ATP production, serotonin and melatonin production, lymphatic drainage, and endorphin release and reduces inflammation. All these factors are essential for healing and wellness.

Infrared light therapy is complimentary with every treatment.

How much are your services?
  • Free 20 min initial phone chat
  • Initial home visit up to 90 minutes: $330 inc GST (+ travel fee if over 30km from Aspley)
  • Follow-up massage sessions up to 50 mins: $159.50 inc GST (+ travel fee if over 30km from Aspley)

Travel discounts available on certain days to residents of Dayboro . Please get in touch to confirm exact prices and availability.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, EFTPOS and direct deposit available. You can also pay with cash.

Additional Care Services

Targeted Support for Comfort, Mobility, and Quality of Life

Beyond massage and rehabilitation, I offer a range of complementary services designed to support your dog’s wellbeing. These gentle yet effective treatments can enhance healing, improve mobility, and provide extra comfort—especially for senior dogs, those recovering from injury, or managing chronic conditions.

Surgery Care Dogs Brisbane

Laser Therapy – Targeted Healing with Class 3B Cold Laser Therapy

Gentle. Precise. Powerful.
Class 3B cold laser therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment using low-level light to stimulate cell repair, reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support faster healing in dogs.

It’s highly effective for arthritis, injuries, pre- and post-surgery recovery, wounds, and chronic muscle or joint issues.

As a skilled practitioner, I apply this advanced therapy with precision and care—achieving excellent results in restoring comfort, movement, and quality of life.

Dr Buzby Toegrips

ToeGrips – Grip and Stability for Senior and Arthritic Dogs

I supply and fit Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips, which help dogs improve stability, traction, and confidence on slippery floors.

These are especially beneficial for senior dogs or those with arthritis, neurological conditions, or post-surgery weakness.

ToeGrips Set: $64.90 inc GST
Fitting Fee: $22 inc GST

ToeGrips can be added to any consultation or follow-up session where appropriate.

Brisbane Dog Nail Paw Clipping Trimming

Nail and Paw Trims – Comfort, Posture, and Mobility Care

Keeping nails short and paw fur trimmed is more than just grooming—it plays a vital role in your dog’s mobility, posture, and overall comfort. Overgrown nails can change the way a dog stands and walks, shifting their weight unnaturally and putting strain on joints, tendons, and even the spine over time.
This can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and compensation patterns that affect the whole body. Excess paw fur can also cause slipping or matting between toes, making movement uncomfortable or unstable. Regular trimming supports proper movement, prevents discomfort, and helps keep your dog confident on their feet—especially important for senior or arthritic dogs. This service is available to massage clients and tailored to each dog’s individual needs. Cost can be discussed at time of treatment.