FAQ

• What is Small Animal Massage?
• What kind of training do Small Animal Massage Practitioner’s (SAMP) receive?
• What happens during a session?
• Can I (the animal’s guardian) be present during the session?
• When is the best time for my companion to receive massage?
• Will massage therapy be painful or create pain after later?
• Will one session be enough?
• I (the guardian) have other animals/children, can they be present?
• Why would an animal need Reiki?
• How can my pet/animals receive Reiki?

What is Small Animal Massage?

Small Animal Massage is a gentle, effective method of hands on therapy to help animals heal after surgeries, regain mobility, range of motion and confidence after injuries, as well as help them emotionally and physically in their later years or if they have had to endure hardships and need some additional support to overcome old patterns.

What kind of training do Small Animal Massage Practitioner’s (SAMP) receive?

Washington State currently requires Small Animal Massage Practitioner (SAMP) licensure as well as Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP) licensure to professionally practice massage therapy on animals. Practitioners are trained in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology (the study of muscles) and techniques for both humans and animals. They also cover methods of communicating with animals, effective, compassionate handling and to know their scope of practice so that they may work with you, your animal and your animal’s Veterinarian to achieve the highest healing good for your companion.

What happens during a session?

A small animal massage session generally takes place at the client’s home. The first visit will begin with the guardian filling in some paper work (see Canine Intake Form) and answering some questions as J Linn and the animal get acquainted. Usually there will be some evaluation time where J Linn will check gait and alignment as well as some gentle hands on evaluation. When the massage begins, ideally the treatment space will be quiet, comfortable for the animal client and free from distractions. Sessions are not really predictable. Each session can be different but typically it will last approximately an hour and will conclude with J Linn writing up an evaluation and summary for the guardian’s reference.

Can I (the animal’s guardian) be present during the session?

The guardian most often takes part in a session by staying near and helping to soothe their companion and help with situations that may come up during the session. The guardian should also be free of distractions, calm and quiet. General conversation is kept to a minimum during the session but not discouraged all together as most animals find the sound of their guardian’s voice comforting. There are a few exceptions that would require that the guardian not be immediately present during the session, but close enough to help if need be. Some animals are too distracted by their human companion to fully relax into the therapy. At no time will J Linn work with an animal without having a guardian on premises.

When is the best time for my companion to receive massage?

Most companion animals have fairly predictable times of day when they are pretty relaxed. As a general guideline one of those times is preferable. It is also a good idea to choose a time when their stomachs aren’t too full, when they have had a chance to eliminate waste and if possible, they have had some exercise. These points will be discussed at the time the session is being set up so that we have the best chance to do our most effective work.

Will massage therapy be painful or create pain later?

In general, animal massage is lighter than humans are used to. Animals respond to touch differently, usually more intensely than humans. Because animals don’t speak to us verbally there are times when they may feel some pain. J Linn has been trained in the signs animals give and how they communicate with us. Most times pain during the session will be about the same as when a human receives a treatment massage, a “good hurt” that one can feel but doesn’t go beyond one’s tolerance. Everyone has spots that can be unpredictably sore and those may be accessed during a session.
Residual pain may occur. The likelihood of which and ways to help with it will be discussed during the session.

Will one session be enough?

Not usually, although depending on the problem and when in conjunction with other modes of treatment it has happened. Each case is unique. The possibilities will be discussed when information has been received on the individual animal.

I (the guardian) have other animals/children, can they be present?

Often other animals or children are big distractions for our companions. This is their time and treatment. To be fair, unless the animal cannot relax without the presence of the other being(s), it is not a good idea to have others present. We can go into a quiet room and close the others out if that is the easiest way to go. There are times though, that we find an animal client will not calm in this situation. The session would begin without any other animals/children and would be evaluated on the individual’s needs.

Why would an animal need Reiki?

Animals need Reiki for the same reasons a human would need it. Reiki enhances the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being of the one receiving it, whether they are human or any other animal. Even plants, the environment and inanimate objects can benefit from Reiki.

How can my pet/animals receive Reiki?

I will come to your home to give your animal a Reiki session if you live in North King or South Snohomish counties. Otherwise I can do a distance healing for your animal (please see Reiki page for further information regarding distance healing)

Mr. Karch enjoys massage at home and water therapy with J Linn

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Namaste