After a major orthopedic surgery—like a Cruciate Ligament repair or Hip Replacement—the focus is often on the bone. But the soft tissue is what carries the dog through recovery.
The Three Stages of Healing
- Inflammatory Phase (Days 1-5): Our goal is to reduce swelling and manage pain in the non-surgical limbs that are overworking.
- Repair Phase (Weeks 3-6): Gentle massage helps to align new collagen fibers, preventing thick, restrictive scar tissue from forming.
- Remodelling Phase (Months 3+): Applying targeted pressure to ensure the muscle returns to its full length and strength.
Why the "Other" Legs Matter
While one leg is recovering, the other three are doing 133% of their normal work. This lead to "overuse injuries" in the "healthy" legs. Post-op massage focuses heavily on these supporting structures to prevent a second injury.
Professional Coordination
I always work directly with your vet or surgeon. Most surgeons recommend beginning gentle, remote-site massage as early as 2 weeks post-op. Download my consent form to get started.