WHAT IS GALEN MYOTHERAPY?
Galen Myotherapy: Targeted Massage Therapy to Reduce the Discomfort of Musculoskeletal Issues in Dogs
Galen Myotherapy is a specialised, hands-on clinical massage treatment designed to provide targeted pain relief for dogs living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Each session is tailored to your dog's specific needs, with personalised massage treatments complemented by lifestyle and environmental advice to support their overall well-being.
This therapy can be integrated into a multimodal approach to pain management for various conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Luxating Patellas
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Cruciate Ligament Issues
- Spondylitis
- Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (CDM)
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Ongoing or Intermittent Lameness
- Compensatory Issues
- Prehabilitation & Rehabilitation
Galen Myotherapy follows the Positive PACT method, a consent-based approach that allows dogs to choose the pace and depth of treatment, ensuring a stress-free, positive experience.
Regular sessions can help dogs move more freely, feel more comfortable, and stay active for longer, making it a valuable part of a multimodal approach to their care.
Veterinary Consent & Booking Information
It is a legal requirement for all dogs receiving myotherapy to have signed consent from their vet. I’m happy to assist with this process—please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Massage sessions: £40 per session.
BENEFITS OF GALEN MYOTHERAPY
Galen Myotherapy is a specialised form of canine massage therapy designed to improve dogs’ mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. This non-invasive, hands-on therapy focuses on targeting muscular issues, relieving tension, and addressing areas of compensation caused by injury, chronic conditions, or postural imbalances.
For dogs with chronic conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or postural issues, Galen Myotherapy plays a key role in managing pain and improving quality of life. Dogs naturally adjust their movement and posture to compensate for pain, stiffness, or past injuries. Over time, this can lead to muscular imbalances, discomfort, and restricted mobility. Galen Myotherapy helps to:
Reducing stiffness and maintaining joint mobility.
Enhancing relaxation through the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
Improving proprioception, which helps dogs stay aware of their body position and improves movement.
Release tension in overworked muscles that have taken on extra strain.
Improve circulation to promote healing and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Encourage balanced movement by addressing postural adaptations.
Additionally, sports dogs and highly active dogs can greatly benefit from Galen Myotherapy.
Regular treatments can help prevent injuries, maintain flexibility, and support overall muscular health, allowing them to perform at their best while reducing strain on their bodies.
WHAT TO EXPECT
1. Enquiry
Contact me to find out if myotherapy is right for your dog. I’ll answer any questions and discuss how myotherapy may help.
2. Initial Assessment & Booking
Once we’ve determined that myotherapy is the right choice for your dog, I will send you a booking form to complete. This form includes a section for you to provide pictures and videos of your dog, which allows me to conduct a thorough postural and gait analysis before the first treatment. You will also complete the Galen Comfort Scale, which helps assess your dog’s comfort levels and any areas of discomfort or restriction.
Both the postural/gait analysis and the Galen Comfort Scale along with the lifestyle information you provide are essential tools in tailoring the treatment plan to your dog’s specific needs. They also serve as benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment over time, helping us track progress and make adjustments as needed.
3. Vet Consent & Scheduling
Once I receive the completed form, I will arrange vet consent. After gaining approval, we’ll schedule a time and date for your dog’s first massage session.
4. Initial Treatment Plan
Dogs will typically require 1–3 initial treatments, which must be scheduled 7–10 days apart. This allows time to assess how your dog responds to therapy while maintaining continuity in their treatment. After these sessions, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and work together to develop a long-term maintenance plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
5. Service Delivery
Massage sessions are booked in advance. Galen Myotherapy follows the Positive PACT® approach, a consent-based concept that allows your dog to choose the pace and depth of the massage. The duration of each session depends on how your dog responds—some may take longer to adjust, especially if they are sore. Others may engage for shorter periods The goal is to create a positive, stress-free experience where your dog feels comfortable and in control.
6. Follow-up & Ongoing Care
At the end of the session, I will provide you with tips on managing your dog’s lifestyle and environment, along with rehabilitation exercises to help you and your dog get the most from their treatment. These strategies not only support recovery but also help manage your dog’s condition as part of a multimodal approach to their overall well-being.
POSITIVE PACT®
I joined Galen Myotherapy because of the Positive PACT® methodology, which improves outcomes by building trust and fostering clear communication between the therapist and the dog. Developed by Julia Robertson, Positive PACT® is a choice-led process that involves the dog, their guardian, and the therapist. This approach empowers the dog to control the intensity and pace of their treatment, promoting autonomy over their body and allowing treatment of chronic muscular pain or dysfunction, even in sensitive areas.
This approach means that, while PACT® is highly effective for most dogs, I cannot guarantee how long a dog will engage in treatment. Each dog is unique, and for some, the process may not be suitable, as they may not be ready or willing to engage fully. However, for the majority of dogs, this method improves outcomes by allowing them to participate on their own terms, reducing stress and promoting a more positive therapeutic experience. By respecting each dog's individual needs and emotional state, we can create a treatment environment that fosters trust and leads to better overall wellbeing.
WHERE I WORK
I am currently based in Newcastle upon Tyne and offer a mobile service across North East England. Services are delivered in your home, which for many dogs helps them feel relaxed enough to engage in treatment.
I currently serve most of the North East including (but not limited to)
Newcastle upon Tyne
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
South East Northumberland
West Northumberland
Sunderland
If you do not see you area listed please drop me a message as I may still be able to help.
CONTACT ME
Telephone: 07891865972
E-mail: liz@lmcaninetherapy.co.uk
Opening hours: Tuesday - 2pm - 7pm, Wednesday 2pm - 7pm, Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 1pm - 6pm
© 2025 Liz McCormick Canine Therapy. All rights reserved.
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