Animals respond remarkably well to techniques developed for their caregivers.

Once upon a time the word bodywork referred only to something that happened inside an auto repair shop. But as interest in alternative therapies grew, health-minded people everywhere came to realize their bodies could use an occasional tune-up, too. These days, just about everyone has reaped the benefits of a massage therapist’s skillful touch, a chiropractor’s precise adjustments, or an acupuncturist’s qi-freeing needles. But humans and Volkswagens aren’t the only ones to experience the healing potential of bodywork-pets are getting in on the game, too.

Whether it’s massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, or craniosacral, bodywork helps pets heal-with impressive results. Read on to learn about some of the more tried-and-true modalities, as well as a few new ones on the horizon.

Chiropractic
Chiropractors realign musculoskeletal problems that can cause joint and nerve dysfunction. They examine the body-from toe to jaw-looking for inflammation, spasm, muscle loss, or neurological problems that result from a skewed musculoskeletal system. Sometimes the signs don’t appear to relate directly to structure. For example, rough coats and hair loss may signal compressed nerves. When chiropractors find abnormalities, they use low-force adjustments like stretching, gentle pulling, and guiding limbs to restore normal range of motion.

The therapist should tread gently with pets because of their delicate disk material, says certified animal chiropractor Julie Kaufman, DC, owner of The Animal Holistic Care Specialists in Marshall, Wisconsin, and author of Joint Yoga for Animals (Xenophon, 2006).

Patricia McConnell, PhD, author of For the Love of Dogs (Ballantine, 2006), has taken all five of her dogs to Kaufman, from 4-month-old Will to 15-year-old Pip. Will favored his right shoulder, leaning over to one side-sometimes called a lazy sit-and McConnell wanted to address any problem before it became chronic. After minor adjustments to his neck, right shoulder, and hip, Will was sitting straight, says McConnell. And although she has seen results firsthand, McConnell admits that the movements are so gentle she sometimes wonders if anything is happening.

Some pets look startled after adjustment, yawn (which can indicate they’re feeling stressed), and stretch. "Pathology of disease is due to conflict within the nervous system," explains Betsy King, DVM, CVA, of Mesa, Arizona. "Realignments reset the nervous system, thereby enhancing the flow of qi."

Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) aims to bring balance to the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord, collectively called the craniosacral region. A subtle rhythm or pulse moves through those fluids and tissues, and a disruption-or strain-in this rhythm produces a ripple effect throughout the body. This can cause balance problems and neurological disorders, says Narda Robinson, DO, DVM, who teaches complementary medicine at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and practices craniosacral therapy on cats.

CST practitioners detect rhythm changes by placing their hands along the head and neck and sense the subtle movements of the cranial bones. Any motions exerted by the practitioner onto the cranium are light, like moving a wet bar of soap along a surface. The goal is to alert the body, a self-regulating mechanism, to the imbalance and facilitate release of the strained motion. Practitioners follow the motions and releases within the craniosacral system and allow their hands to follow the cyclical motions of the craniosacral rhythm. Using an informed and delicate influence, the practitioner can assist the body in self-correction. "The body is so capable. If it realizes things are awry, it will make corrections," Robinson explains.

CST worked for Marley, a 9-year-old pug who suffered from seizures caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Ehrlichiosis, two tick-borne diseases that weakened his immune system and left him unable to stand or walk properly. His owner, Sara Hassler, consulted eight veterinarians in Connecticut before finding relief. After one craniosacral session, Marley’s front paws showed signs of straightening, and his spirits soared. "I can’t describe it," says Hassler, "but it works so well."

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, relatively new to animals in the US, boasts a long history in China-possibly dating back 3,000 years to when horses first benefited from needling. Now it’s gaining favor with mainstream Western veterinarians who recommend it for dermatological issues, pain management, and digestive problems, though it is still most popular for chronic musculoskeletal ailments.

Based on the animal’s particular illness, acupuncturists insert needles into specific points and leave them in for anywhere from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. These sites, dense with blood vessels and nerve endings, lie close to the skin’s surface and strongly influence the animal’s physiology. Stimulating the points increases qi and circulation to the point and clears blockages that contribute to illness and discomfort.

If Rook could talk, the 11-year-old German shepherd, crippled with arthritis, would surely recommend acupuncture. After several sessions, he now romps with deer in Montana and jumps on the couch without assistance. "We saw an obvious change after the first visit," says owner Cherry Moon of Columbia Falls, who was able to wean Rook off pain pills and steroids completely because of acupuncture’s successful results.

Aquapressure puts a different spin on acupuncture, using hypodermic needles (instead of thin acupuncture needles) to inject fluids (usually saline mixed with B12) into acupuncture points. This therapy works well for wiggly pets who will not sit still for acupuncture treatments, since it is fast and can provide targeted delivery of medications. For pets with kidney disease, aquapuncture can deliver subcutaneous fluids into kidney points located on the back. For animals with joint problems, it infuses vulnerable areas with nutrients or medications while stimulating acupuncture points-a two-for-one treatment, says Liz Fernandez, DVM, CVA, who owns a mobile veterinary service in Simi Valley, California. "You can use your knowledge of acupuncture points to inject medications or fluids anywhere that is appropriate," she says.

Other variations on acupuncture include electroacupuncture, which applies electrical current to needles for additional stimulation, and acupressure, which replaces needles with very deep hand or finger pressure.

Tui Na massage
Massage may be the most popular form of pet bodywork, but Tui Na, a Chinese hybrid of massage and acupressure, is gaining popularity. It alleviates joint, musculoskeletal, and nerve pain. It also relieves emotional and physical stress on the body and supports immune function.

In Tui Na workshops, Fernandez teaches pet owners to heal with intentional touch. Massage and acupressure release tension and pain in soft tissues while balancing internal organs such as lungs, heart, diaphragm, and the small intestine. While massaging the back, where many points are located, pet owners learn to listen to a pet’s needs and respond with confidence. "Don’t be afraid to do whatever comes to you to do," Fernandez tells clients. "The most powerful healing force in the world is love, and if you connect, you can be very powerful. I encourage people to get out of their heads, into their hearts, and really connect."

Finding a practitioner
When seeking bodywork for pets, make sure to research choices, ask for client testimonials, and check local laws regulating animal therapies. Kim Jonah, a craniosacral therapist in Glastonbury, Connecticut, says testimonials provide the best gauge for bodywork professionals. "You really can be judged by the results," she says.