As veterinarians become more conscious of the details and nuances of how cats experience pain, they search for more methods with which to battle both acute and chronic pain in these patients. It is common now to look to human medicine for ideas and techniques that can be applied to cats who are dealing with pain issues to help them feel better and to help relieve their pain and discomfort.
Therapeutic massage is one example of a physical medicine technique that has found a place in the feline pain management toolbox.
What exactly is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using techniques such as holding, moving tissue, and applying pressure in a variety of ways. There are several techniques used, and the terminology generally describes a way in which the practitioner’s hands interact with the cat’s tissues. Each stroke has a specific purpose and application.
What are the various massage strokes, and what do they accomplish?
Simple stroking, also known as effleurage, is generally used to open and close a massage session. Stroking involves running the whole hand over the cat, with light to medium pressure, from the head to the tail and down each of the limbs, in the direction of hair growth.
By opening the massage with long, light-touch stroking, we can help relax the cat and set the stage for the rest of the massage. It also gives an opportunity to gauge the condition of the tissues, noting areas with increased tension, and to detect any lumps, swelling, or temperature differences from one area to another. This massage stroke is generally oriented along the lines of the muscles and affects the superficial tissues. Effleurage is used to assist with circulation of blood and lymph and may be effective at resolving edema (swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the body).
The next, deeper level of pressure in a massage is petrissage. Petrissage involves a kneading compression stroke of the muscles and the skin over them. It is used to relieve muscle tension, knots in the soft tissues, and muscle spasms. The muscles may be lifted and rolled.
A variation on petrissage is skin rolling. Skin rolling is just what the name implies: the skin is gently pulled away from the body and rolled or pushed forward in a continuous motion, gradually working from the ends of the limbs to the torso, and from the tail to the head. Skin rolling can release any adherence of the skin to the deeper tissues, and it can increase circulation of both lymph and blood in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Most cats enjoy the sensations associated with skin rolling.
Friction massage (rubbing) may also be used to improve blood flow. Friction involves the use of stronger pressure, either with or perpendicular to muscle fibers and, if applied too strongly, can be uncomfortable for the pet. Friction may help break down fascial adhesions. Your cat’s massage therapist may go between friction and petrissage during treatment.
Shaking or vibration may be used to relax muscles. A gentle shaking motion may target a specific muscle group or an entire limb.
Finally, the massage may involve a more concussive stroke. Chopping, tapping, and tapotement are concussive strokes that energize tissues, causing increased circulation of lymph and blood, and may stimulate muscle tone.
- Chopping involves using the edge of the hand in a rapid chopping fashion using medium pressure. Chopping is usually applied over areas of large muscle mass.
- Tapping can be applied over more focused areas than chopping, and is performed by holding the fingers together, slightly curved, and tapping the area being worked on.
- Tapotement involves cupping the hand and using the edge of the hand and the tips of the fingers to form a circular surface as the point of contact with the patient’s body.
Is there any reason massage should not be performed?
There are several contraindications for massage.
- Massage should not be performed over open wounds, around unstable fractures, or when a cat is experiencing pain that is not yet appropriately controlled.
- Massage should not be performed directly over tumors or areas that are infected.
- Massage should be performed with caution in cats with blood-clotting problems.
Can I perform massage on my cat at home?
Although formal, full-body massage is best performed by a trained individual, many elements of cat massage can be easily demonstrated and taught for application at home. In fact, by learning how to perform certain massage techniques and interacting with your cat in this intimate and healing way, you can really expand your relationship with her. The physical contact that is such a critical part of massage can help strengthen the bond with your cat.
Talk to your veterinary healthcare team if you are interested in learning more about massage for your cat. If your cat would benefit from this therapy, they can teach you how to provide some massage techniques at home.
