Current News

"Daily Herald Article-2006"
Alternative relief for aching paws Canine massage therapist finds success with 4-legged clients By Jill Blaska Daily Herald Correspondent Posted Monday, November 06, 2006 Humans arent the only ones who love a good back rub. Growing numbers of dogs are receiving holistic treatments including massage, essential oils treatments, Reiki and triggerpoint myotherapy to relieve a variety of ailments. Sue Olmos has been practicing canine triggerpoint myotherapy for 11 years. Olmos of Naperville, has established a successful practice, written a text book and is currently teaching the fourth annual certificate program in canine myotherapy through the Continuing Education department of Harper College. The Daily Herald caught up with Olmos between sessions with her four-legged clients. Q. What is canine myotherapy? A. Myo is Greek for muscle. I use this term apart from massage because I am not a licensed human massage therapist, and dont want to mislead the students into thinking that I am. I teach way beyond basic massage strokes. Q. What do students learn in your class? A. The class covers skeletal anatomy, muscular system, neurology, myotherapy techniques, conformation, biomechanics and movement analysis, perpetuating factors that lead to muscle dysfunction, complementary modalities, common physical and medical disorders and establishing a practice. Students will be adept at triggerpoint myotherapy. Theyll have exposure to ways they can enhance their practice through nutritional counseling and in appreciating how other modalities fit into the wellness picture for their future clients. Being able to confidently refer people to conventional vets, animal chiropractors, acupuncturists or hydrotherapists will make them a more holistic practitioner. Q. After earning the certificate, what types of careers will most students pursue? A. Many want to set up private practices. Some will incorporate these skills into their current role as a dog groomer, pet sitter or trainer. A few will look for opportunities in canine wellness spas, which are a growing trend. Others will work in daycare centers or vet clinics. Q. Why would a dog need a massage? A. Lots of reasons  post-op rehab, injury, muscle dysfunction, hip dysplasia, arthritis, geriatric issues, newborn trauma, performance enhancement for athletic dogs  or just because it feels darn good. Q. Do you practice myotherapy on other animals? A. I was certified equine and canine myotherapy, but stopped doing horses this year. Its pretty hard on the body, especially the hands. The conditions are tough, too: cold, damp barns in winter and hot, fly-infested in summer. Some cats benefit as well, usually older cats. Most others are so flexible they dont need it as much and their attention span can switch from enjoying therapy to wanting to play-fight much too quickly. Q. What are the benefits of myotherapy? A. Myotherapy increases circulation with side effects of stimulating hair follicles for improvement in skin and coat condition. It aids in lymphatic drainage and toxic removal. It increases flexibility and range of motion and decreases pain from arthritis. It calms and stimulates the nervous system, stimulates metabolic functions which is very good for hypothyroidism, which is common in some breeds, and benefits digestive disorders like constipation. It increases blood flow to all the organs and promotes athletic performance. Q. Can people try this at home on their pets? A. I think its important for owners to have some fundamental understanding of anatomy before they try anything beyond just heavy petting, as there is the possibility of harm being done. Instead, I think theyd do well to hire a certified practitioner who can work with their dog and then show the owners some techniques they can incorporate between the professional appointments. Q. Do many places offer myotherapy? How would someone find a place to take their pet? And how much does it cost? A. More places are coming. People can search the Internet, ask friends, your vet, or contact a holistic vet for referrals. Fees vary depending on location versus house calls and experience of the therapist. Ive seen fees from $45 to $70 per visit. Q. Do some dogs not respond well to myotherapy? A. There are times when it is contra-indicated  recent trauma, bleeding wounds, weight-bearing lameness. Any serious medical or physical problems should be discussed with the clients veterinarian before proceeding with treatment. Q. Have you had any really bad experiences? A. Not really. Ive never been bitten, but have had one or two who were so fear-shy that they wouldnt let me near them, let alone touch them. One of the two welcomed me back within a few days and we were OK then. The other never came out from behind a couch. Q. Which dogs are best candidates for myotherapy? A. Anything that barks.

"Veterinary Assistant Certification"
New program offered through Harper College! Contact Continuing Education at 847-925-6300 for times and requirements.

"Certification in Canine Myotherapy Class"
Currently offering this program as a distance-learning, homestudy course. Pre-requisites include basic knowledge of canine anatomy, behavior and training modalities. Students will be selected based upon their written applications. Contact through this site or call Sue at 630-205-9355 for additional information. There will be a full weekend of hands-on work that students will be required to attend.

"Essential Oils Workshops"
Workshops covering the use of Essential Oils on humans and animals will be held at various times and locations in the Chicago suburban areas. Contact us for specific dates and topics.

"Learn the Art of Raindrop Therapy with Essential Oils for Your Dog or Horse"
Classes available one-on-one or small groups. Contact us for dates & fees.