Pet Therapy

Alternative therapy for pets, also known as alternative medicine, complementary medicine and CAM is controversial in a sense because when these alternative therapies work many medical professionals argue that they should no longer be considered alternative, but simply therapies or medicine. These alternative therapies for pets can include holistic approaches which integrate medical history with nutritional counseling and a response to emotional needs. Many practitioners of pet healthcare encourage pet owners to learn about alternative therapies for pets and utilize them when it seems appropriate.

Alternative therapy for pets can include massage, Reiki, and magnetic therapy. One type of alternative therapy is TPM or triggerpoint myotherapy which relives discomfort often associated with constricted muscles through various hands on techniques. Palpation, stretching and compression of muscles increase the range of motion, the flexibility and often reduce pain. Triggerpoints are areas where pain is received, also known as knots in the shoulders and other areas. These triggerpoints are often caused by excess lactic or glycolic acid which is formed due to overexertion, strain or other injury. Compression and stretching both have been shown to break up the acid formation and flush it out through the patient's circulatory system. Muscle dysfunction can be common with all animals, and if it is left untreated it can result in weakness and atrophy, or in compensation by other muscles. TPM as an alternative therapy for pets will assist in this common problem and lead to a healthier and happier pet.

Another alternative therapy for pets is Reiki, is a laying on of hands system, or a touch healing system. Those who use Reiki call it the universal life force energy. Reiki healers work both in person and at a distance, and often recommend multiple treatments for chronic conditions. Many people have heard of the universal life force energy used in Reiki, also called Chi, Ki and Prana. Practitioners believe that everything living contains Ki and everything living radiates Ki, the biomagnetic energy of our auras, and our pets. This alternative therapy for pets has many believers who cite examples of the curative powers of Reiki in humans and in pets. The idea behind Reiki is to release toxins that build up in the body, which is known as a detox, or detoxification. Just as Reiki has human followers, many pet owners also believe it to be helpful.