Osteoarthritis, also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is progressive deterioration of the cartilage in a joint. In a healthy joint the cartilage acts as a cushion to allow the bone surfaces to move smoothly through their full range of motion. This is the most common form of arthritis.

Causes:·     

• Part of the ageing process

• Breed predisposition – Large dogs such as GSD, Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers

• Pre-existing orthopaedic conditions e.g. hip/elbow dysplasia

• Activity levels - obesity

• Living environment

• Sites of traumatised bone e.g. surgical sites, fractures, ligament tears

• Repetitive stress from athletic activities (agility, flyball, diving)

• Infections that affect the joints, such as Lyme Disease

• Genetics

• Poor nutrition

Symptoms:

• Varying degrees of lameness

• Stiff when getting up from resting

• Reduced range of motion

• Crepitus or creaking of the joints

• Reluctancy to run, jump in/out of car, play

• Slowing down on walks

• Pain/Inflammation of the joint

• Loss of muscle mass

• Difficulty posturing to urinate and defecate

• Pain

• Restless/irritable

• Lethargy

• Lick granuloma/nibbling over the site of the arthritis e.g. wrist

• Grumpy disposition/ changes in behaviour

How massage can help:

• Relaxation of hypertonic musculature

• Loosen and lengthen muscles that have been held in a fixed position

• Identify patterns of overcompensation and pain referral at secondary sites

• Address areas of protective muscle splinting

• Myofascial and trigger point release

The therapeutic techniques we use give the muscles back their ability to relax and contract efficiently; leading to an improved range of motion, movement and gait which leads to reduced pain for your dog.