Hypertonicity

What it is

Hypertonicity describes muscle that stays partly contracted rather than relaxing between efforts. It develops where a dog has been guarding a painful area, overusing a group of muscles to compensate elsewhere, or working hard repeatedly. The muscle becomes short, tight and less willing to lengthen, which then limits how freely the dog can move.

What you might notice

• A shorter stride, or movement that looks tight rather than lame
• Reluctance to stretch, or to shake off after getting up
• Flinching, turning, or moving away when a particular area is touched
• A change in posture or in how they stand
• Slowing down without any obvious injury to explain it

These are things owners commonly describe. They are not a diagnosis, and several of them overlap with other conditions — only your vet can tell you what is actually going on.

How massage may help

This is squarely within what massage is for. Unlike a joint condition, raised muscle tone is something hands-on work addresses directly. Shanice’s training covers a range of techniques for releasing tight muscle and restoring its ability to lengthen and relax. Veterinary consent is still required, because it matters to know what caused the tension in the first place.

Talk to Shanice about your dog

A diagnosis is only one part of the story. Two dogs with the same condition can need quite different care, depending on their age, temperament, routine and what they love doing. Share your dog’s veterinary history when you enquire and Shanice will talk through whether massage is appropriate for them.

Treatment complements your dog’s veterinary care, takes place in your own home, and requires signed veterinary consent.

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