Charlayne Szafranski, CBW
Pawssage Therapy
T: 416-525-1443
E: char@pawssage.ca

Member of The International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork
IAAMB
www.iaamb.org


Member of the International Equine Body Workers Association
IEBWA
www.iebwa.com

Pawssage Therapy was founded in 2009 by Charlayne Szafranski. Charlayne is a certified Canine Bodyworker by Caninology (Alberta). While studying in Alberta, she gained an in-depth knowledge of: canine anatomy, skeletal and muscular structures, massage strokes, exercises and stretches, assessment of gait abnormalities, analysis, subjective conformation, neurological conditions, canine behavior, range of motion analysis, and rehabilitative exercises. Charlayne plans to continue her studies with Caninology, adding advanced techniques and modes of healing to her repertoire.

As an animal lover since early childhood, Charlayne has always felt a strong connection with dogs. She has had a dog in her care since the age of twelve and she currently shares her life and home with two dogs.

In her quest to improve the quality of life of her own dogs and to help with their healing, Charlayne realized a need for Canine Massage and decided to pursue it as a career. She has a keen interest in holistic care and natural rearing, and has spent much time reading about and researching these topics. Charlayne is a life-long learner and each one of her dogs teaches her something new.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion" - Unknown

All Breed Rescue
www.k9rescueme.com

Boxer Rescue Ontario
http://www.boxerrescueontario.com

Painted Pet Portraits
Artist Britta Smith
brittasmith88@hotmail.com

Pet Photography
Pooch Paparazzi  
www.poochpaparazzi.com

Petsitting
York Professional Petsitting  
http://yorkprofessionalpetsitting.com

Raised Feeding Stations
http://www.relaysdiner.com

Raw Food Suppliers
Poochini's Barkery
www.poochinisbarkery.com

King Capon  
http://kingcapon.com

Training
Dogsports, Ginny Neher  
http://www.dogsports.breedersshowcase.com

 

SUGGESTED USAGE OF HOT AND COLD THERAPY FOR SPRAINS AND INJURIES

Cold Therapy
Cold packs, ice baths, ice cubes, crushed ice, compresses, cold cloths, cold whirlpool and coolant sprays.
The application of cold therapy reduces the temperature of the tissue beneath the skin inducing an analgesic or numbing effect which is important in managing pain.  Blood vessels narrow and blood flow decreases, also reducing swelling and inflammation.

To prevent tissue damage, apply  cold within the first 24-48 hours of an acute injury.  May also be used after exercise to prevent and reduce pain and swelling and to ease muscle spasms.

When managing an injury it is recommended to follow the “PRICE” protocol.  Immediately after an injury when pain and swelling are at their highest think Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.   After  the initial application, cold therapy may be used periodically throughout the day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.  Use a damp towel  between ice and skin, this will increase the effectiveness of the cold but decrease the risk of nerve or skin damage which could result in frostbite.

Heat Therapy
Hot packs, electric pads, hot water bottles, gel packs , damp clay, warm whirlpool, paraffin bath and infrared devices.

The application of heat therapy increases local circulation, reduces pain and decreases stiffness.   Blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases, delivering needed nutrients and oxygen to cells in the heated area aiding in the removal of cell waste and ultimately promoting healing.   The heating effect will also reduce muscle spasms and allow increased range of motion.

Avoid using heat in the acute stage of an injury when swelling is present and the skin is hot to the touch.  Whenever possible try to use moist heat over dry.  Moist heat penetrates deeper and is therefore more effective at reaching muscles, ligaments and joints.  Use a non-electrical heat source first wrapped in a damp towel and then covered with a dry towel before applying it to the treatment area.  Make sure to use several layers of toweling as a barrier between the heat source and the skin to prevent skin irritation or burns.
Apply heat for 15-20 minutes at a time.  Check the skin every 5 minutes and stop treatment if you see abnormal changes in skin colour or any discomfort is felt.

NORMAL CANINE VITAL SIGN VALUES

Body Temperature
100.5 to 101.5 degrees Farenheit/38 to 38.6 degrees Celsius (if taken at home when at rest, slightly higher in a veterinarian’s office, but not above 101.8 degrees F/38.7 degrees C).

Pulse
70 to 120 beats per minute (at rest, higher after physical exertion or if excited or frightened).  The lower rate is normal in large dogs; higher rate in small dogs.

Respiratory Rate
10 to 30 breaths per minute (at rest, higher after physical exertion or if excited or frightened.  Generally faster in smaller animals.

Taken from Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats  (Third Edition)
Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PHD & Susan Hubble Pitcairn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices include HST. Pawssage Therapy will accept cash and cheques with a valid driver’s license.

All massages take place in the comfort of your own home. All that is required is a warm quiet room with no distractions.

Service Area North to Canal Road South to Hwy 407 East to Hwy 48/Markham Road West to Hwy 400 Outside service area, travel fees will apply.

BENEFITS

• Relaxes tired muscles
• Aids in rehabilitation post injury and surgery
• Increases circulation and helps to move fluids into the lymphatic system
• Maintains and restores flexibility of joints and muscles
• Improves behavioural issues and socialization
• Enhances body awareness
• Provides comfort
• Strengthens immune system
• Enhances detoxification
• Maintains and improves muscle tone
• Prepares muscles for work or competition
• Improves condition of skin and coat
• Provides a means to regularly assess and evaluate the body and its physical condition
• Aids in recovery after work or competition
• Reduces stress, anxiety and discomfort
• Helps reduce pain and inflammation
• Increases blood flow
• Reduces soreness and tenderness
• Relieves spasms
• Increases muscle and connective tissue pliability
• Enhances bonding and relationships with humans
  

MASSAGE:

Mechanical
If chronic musculoskeletal problems exist, whether due to genetics, nutrition or disease, therapeutic touch can be very benefical.  Massage can help with problems that develop due to poor posture and gait related to changes in soft tissues, joint and bone structure.

Surgery
While recovering from surgery, massage can increase healing time and help maintain mobility, muscle tone and joint flexibility, especially for dogs that must be restricted during healing time.

Disease
When permanent low grade disease exists (e.g. osteoarthritis, chronic imbalances, such as hip dysplasia), massage increases blood flow and reduces discomfort.

Competitive/Performance
When dogs are involved in performance sports (e.g. flyball, agility or lure coursing), decreased power and range of motion can occur because of an increase in scar tissue in the connective tissues from muscle strain. Massage can be used to stretch and free scar tissue, returning muscle tissue to normal function.  It can also aid in recovery, promote relaxation and reduce stress during training.  Further reduction in injury in dogs with repetitive stress injuries is also a positive effect of massage.

Fatigue
A dog can suffer from muscle soreness, when training and working hard. If not given enough time to recover between sessions, injury can occur. Massage decreases muscle tone, reducing discomfort and increasing relaxation. Therapeutic touch can also decrease recovery time.

Muscle Soreness
When a dog experiences muscle soreness due to extreme exertion, adverse environmental conditions, stress or poor diet, massage will reduce discomfort.  It is best for your dog to receive massage 1-3 hours after exertion.

WHEN NOT TO MASSAGE:

*** Please see your veterinarian immediately if your dog is suffering from any of the below conditions.

• Shock
• Fever
• Acute inflammation
• Skin problems (e.g., ringworm, rashes, hot spots)
• Heat stroke
• Broken bone or ruptured vertebral disc
• Swollen lymph glands
• Injuries (e.g., torn muscles, punctures, open wounds or surgical sites)

What is Canine Massage?

It is the deliberate and manual manipulation of soft tissues of a dog’s body with the purpose of bringing about positive changes in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Canine Massage is used to help with relaxation, pain management and to increase the range of motion in joints. It can also be used to help with acute and chronic medical conditions, emotional problems due to trauma or poor socialization and to work with the effects of aging. Canine Massage is beneficial for dogs of all ages and most conditions: Puppy – socialization. Geriatric – improves circulation, muscle tone and flexibility. Increases energy. Rehabilitation – helps with healing. Shortens healing time. Canine Athletes and Working Dogs – improves strength, speed and agility by keeping soft tissues in top working condition. Injury prevention. All Dogs – relaxation, stress management, well-being.

***Important:
Canine Massage is NOT a substitute for proper veterinary care or treatment. Please visit your veterinarian for a thorough medical examination and diagnosis of your dog’s condition prior to beginning massage treatment. 

If you would like your dog to receive the benefits of massage as part of their treatment plan; pre and post-surgery, or as part of physical therapy and rehabilitation from injury;  I would be happy to work with your veterinarian to best determine the incorporation of massage into the healing process.