Massage
Christine also practises Merishia Canine Massage, and uses the technique as part of her treatment regime. Massage has many benefits, including:

• improved circulation
• relief from muscle tension
• relaxation
• improved muscle quality
• reduced pain after injury
• pain relief in muscles put under strain from injury elsewhere
• reduced stiffness
• increased range of motion

Several techniques are used, including:

• Effleurage – relaxes the animal, stimulates the superficial nervous system and improves blood circulation
• Petrissage – stimulates the nervous system and circulation to a deeper level and creates mini-contractions to warm the muscles
• Compression – prepares the muscles for stress point therapy
• Stress point therapy – applies increasingly firm pressure to release areas of muscle spasm

Christine plans to gain further qualifications soon in equine massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release and acupressure techniques.