Updated:  12:37 p.m. ET March 28, 2011

Athletes at almost every level have experienced the benefits of deep muscle tissue massage, but until recently the idea of employing these techniques to improve the overall quality of life enjoyed by dogs and horses was given little or no thought. But, Becky Brandenburg of Martins Ferry has been working for almost a decade to broaden this viewpoint.

She recently became certified to instruct others in the skills needed to become a canine sports massage therapist. Additionally, she has just completed plans to begin offering classes for students interested in equine sports massage therapy instruction and certification.

“This class is designed for anyone who wishes to learn,” she said of the basis for her program focused on canine sports massage therapy and on the subsequently developed course targeting knowledge and skills needed to provide sports massage therapy for horses.

Word of these new programs becoming available through Brandenburg has spread quickly among those who work with dogs. She is expecting the same strong response from individuals interested in acquiring the knowledge and the hands-on skills employed in this discipline, but who are interested in working with horses.

While the general public may not be familiar with the idea of sports massage therapy having direct applications for dogs and for horses, it is not such a new idea to those who have worked with such animals, especially those involved in athletic pursuits such as racing or hunting events. 

Recently, a means of combining her passion for helping animals and for teaching came together when the first group of students completed an intensive canine massage therapy program now available through her professional resources: Brandenburg Equine and Canine Massage Therapy.

Eight years ago Brandenburg’s sincere interest in learning massage therapy techniques beneficial to horses put her on the first step of this unique path.

The program she immersed herself in focused on working with horses, but soon became an avenue through which she connected to similar information targeting improving the quality of life for dogs.

Over the years she has been employed by an ever growing number of dog and horse owners, managers and care givers from throughout the region. The animals she has been asked to work with have come from various lifestyles, including those living as household pets to those working in demanding show and competitive environments.

She admits there are many who initially scoff at the idea of such formalized programs for improving the quality of life of an animal, but that reality does not trouble Brandenburg. She has come to believe deeply that the process of employing deep tissue sports massage techniques for dogs and horses can bring immediate benefits and long term ones as well to all involved: animals and humans alike.

But, the benefits of sports massage therapy for dogs is not restricted to those who live in a competitive world, such as a racing or field trial dog, rescue or scent dog.

“Canine massage therapy is beneficial for all types of dogs, from pets to dogs active in obedience, agility, search and rescue, police K-9 units and guide dogs,” said Brandenburg. “Progressive dog owners are realizing the same benefits for their animals as those in the equine field. The massage sequence and benefits are the same for dogs, small pets, and horses.

© 2011 The Associated Press.  Source:  MSNBC

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