CDC Animal Therapy was set up by Kat on 17th April 2018 and delivers large variety of treatments including Canine sports massage, Trigger points, Joint mobilisation, Passive Range of Motion, Reflexology, Phototherapy, Acu-point Therapy, Electro-therapy and many more- please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CDCAnimalTherapy/ for more details.
CDC Animal Therapy is based in Dublin (Ireland aka Emerald Island) and covers county Dublin area.
This is Kat’s big boy Jackson (aka Mr J)- reason why and how it all started …
Jackson was diagnosed with progressive arthritis in his right wrist and most likely developing the same condition in his left wrist. After different sets of medication and more rest (what Jackson doesn’t like as he is left behind and not allowed to join the walks), it was time for different approach.
After a long research of possible options for canine physiotherapy in Dublin (recommended by Jackson’s vet), Kat got qualified in Canine Sports Massage in January 2018 at The College of Animal Physiotherapy in the UK and already during the course started treating Jackson (he was Kat’s first practise/ homework patient!).
Who is the treatment for?
All animals but Kat is currently specialising in dogs, cats and horses promoting animal’s health and maintenance. Especially animals after injury or surgery benefit greatly from the treatments offered. Older animals with decreased mobility show significant improvements in quality of their life after receiving above treatments.
How does it work?
After obtaining veterinary practise referral or acknowledgement, Kat does the home visit starting with the questions about medical history, diet and exercise routine- these are all important contributors to the animal’s health. After checking on the muscle mass and performing gait analysis, Kat starts the treatment which she finds the most appropriate for the animal. Treatment itself takes about 1 hour and includes any combination of Sports Massage, Acupressure points, Reflexology, Phototherapy, Electro Therapy, Stretching, etc. After the treatment Kat makes any recommendation on exercise or supplements which would be beneficial.
Why should my pet have a treatment?
Massage decreases recovery time after surgery or injury, improves mobility, especially when suffering bone or muscle condition, provides pain relief, increases blood supply, increases delivery of nutrients and oxygen in the muscle, prevents soreness and stiffness, relieves distress, anxiety, discomfort and helps removal of toxins from the body.
What is Phototherapy?
Phototherapy or Photo modulation uses red and infrared light, which can also be used on humans. The light penetrates the pet’s tissue, muscles, tendons and even bone to increase blood circulation and boosting healing process. This treatment has the same benefits as using low-laser but it is safer and cheaper. The red light promotes collagen production, gives cells increased energy- cells can perform their function faster. The Phototherapy is used for joint pain, arthritis, muscle soreness, wounds, injuries, rashes, infections and inflammation. Kat uses Photizo Vetcare for the treatments.
What is Electro Therapy?
Low voltage electric impulses are used to stimulate muscles.
There are 2 different modes which can be used- TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and EMS (Electrical muscle stimulation).
TENS stimulates the nerves, which keeps pain signals from reaching the brain. This method is used for arthritis, rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery like hip replacement, etc.
EMS causes muscles to contract. This method is used for muscle strengthening, preventing muscle atrophy, increasing local blood circulation, relaxation of muscles and muscle toning.
What is Reflexology?
Canine Reflexology uses concept where certain points in the paws and head are linked to every part of the body. By massaging those points, the tension is released and can alleviate some medical conditions in the dogs.
What is Acu-point Therapy?
The Acu-point Therapy method involves applying a light touch to specific points on the meridian lines (energy channels) of the animal’s body. Each point has various influence on the body and can improve several conditions and general well being of the animal.
What’s next?
Kat is currently undertaking Animal Physiotherapy Diploma at the College of Animal Physiotherapy. Kat is a member of the IAAT (International Association of Animal Therapists, http://www.iaat.org.uk/therapist-finder/) as well as Associate member of IRVAP (The Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists, https://www.irvap.org.uk/).
Kat has ALWAYS loved animals, grew up surrounded by a dog, a cat and pair of quinoa pigs. Went vegetarian in the age of 10- for the love of animals and turned vegan in 2016. Kat has been volunteering in Dogs Aid Animal Sanctuary based in Dublin since 2016 and supporting WAG (Working Animal Guardians foster based dog rescue).
Kat is supporting lots of charity fundraisers in greater Dublin area as well as Council “Doggy days out” and lots of other events, did few local Dublin radio interviews (Phoenix FM and Together FM) talking about animal physical therapy- you never know, you might see her at some doggy- related event around Dublin!
Kat’s dream/ vision is to have purposely built Animal rehabilitation center for small and large animals in Dublin including underwater treadmill and hydrotherapy pool as well as space allowing for different exercise and techniques. This might sound way too difficult or far away from the present, but Kat lives by the quote: “Never give up, great things take time!”
