Leslie Sisto LMT/LVT
Therapeutic massage for people and animals
Bring back the wag with canine massage
Does my dog need massage?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Change in attitude or behavior, diminished performance or activity, stiffness, weakness or favoring a leg. Therapeutic massage can aid recovery from injury, provide relief for chronic conditions, assist transition to home life for rescues, and help keep agility and working dogs at optimum performance.
How does it work?
JUST AS IN PEOPLE, massage can offer both immediate and long-term effects. Release in a tight area promotes healthy blood flow, delivers useful nutrients, allows flushing of inflammatory agents, and releases endorphins. Over time, therapeutic massage can help speed healing of injuries, reduce inflammation, align spine and balance limbs, and comfort and relax your dog for optimum health and performance.
What to expect
LESLIE WILL EVALUATE your dog's condition and problem areas through palpation, gait evaluation, and attention to transitions such as sit>stand and stand>lie down. Be prepared with any related information from your vet or trainer, as well as your own observations. After hands-on assessment and review of injury, surgery and symptom reports, Leslie will recommend the best approach for your dog. A severe or chronic situation may require several treatments, but many issues are resolved with fewer sessions. If appropriate, Leslie may demonstrate stretches or massage you can do to help your dog recover.
In the ring
My Basset hound Deacon got slammed by his Rotty cousin. After the vet confirmed low-back and leg injuries, we got him started with Leslie on massage and cold laser treatments. The healing was noticeable in both his comfort level and performance. With short legs and a long back, regular therapy helps him stay in shape. He's not your typical agility dog, but he's always ready for the course.
Brooke F.
Problems and treatments
Hip dysplasia
This debilitating condition can also manifest in the elbow of the foreleg. Bone deformation and abnormal cartilage development prevent normal movement, and cause inflammation and pain. Therapeutic massage, deep tissue release and cold laser treatment can provide relief and help delay or prevent further degradation.
Arthritis
One of the most common sources of chronic pain in pets as well as people, arthritis can occur throughout the body. Whether systemic or isolated, the discomfort and pain will often make the dog favor a limb, shift weight or restrict movement, leading to further dysfunction. Most dogs respond well to Leslie's head-to-tail therapy of palpation and massage, down the entire spine and into the affected limbs. The combination of cold laser treatment, therapeutic massage and trigger point release relieves pain, improves blood flow, stimulates anti-inflammatory activity and often improves range of motion.
Transition for rescues
Dogs who are fortunate enough to move to a forever home have often just begun their journey. Some are recovering from physical injuries, and some carry unknown trauma which will also need to heal. Your goal is to create trust and build bonds through safe, comforting and predictable activities. Massage can help your dog relax, adjust and respond to your attention. Leslie will focus her massage treatment on your dog's particular needs and help you understand what reassuring touch you can do at home.