Contracture

The permanent involuntary shortening of muscles can result in a condition known as Contracture.

Some muscles are required to function above and beyond their call of duty by working at an intensive level and when this happens the muscle will become shortened and hardened and will not have the ability to stretch and relax normally. This condition, once diagnosed, will normally require surgery to remove the offending tissue and give the muscle back movement and ability.

Hip Dysplasia & Contracture of the Pectineous Muscle

In the dog with Hip Dysplasia, contracture of the pectineous muscle is common and will restrict movement of the hip even further. Located near the front of the inner thigh it is a small muscle which is used to adduct, or bring in, the leg. The muscle is under immense stress and as the pectineous begins to loose its elasticity it can pull the ball (head of the femur) out of the socket (acetabulum) which will worsen the existing condition.

Pectineal Surgery will often make the dog more comfortable and will involve either cutting or removing a portion of the muscle to enable the dog to be more mobile with lessened levels of pain. Massage is an invaluable therapy for pre and post surgery and is a must when it comes to your dogs post surgery rehabilitation to not only increase their speed of recovery but also to ensure that any areas of associated pain and soreness are resolved to allow your dog to get back to normal activity as soon as possible.

How Can Massage Help?

• By reducing the state of contracture
• Mobilizing joints
• Stretching the muscle and its associated muscles
• Reduction of adhesions
• Softening the affected tissue
• Increasing the muscles natural elasticity
• Pre Surgical Conditioning of muscles
• Post Surgical Rehabilitation