Feline Workshops (3 Full Days)

Clinics meet at 9AM-5:30PM

General Information About Our Clinics

Massage experience is not a requirement for entry; however, both knowledge in massage and/or knowledge about the animal being studied are greatly beneficial. We build on the knowledge and experience you bring with you to the workshop. The classes at Integrated Touch Therapy are small, with a maximum of 8 students to 1 teacher; the ratio is usually 6 to 1. This ratio provides superior individual attention.  The class is designed for massage therapists and for those in the field of animal health looking to diversify their practices. Those individuals who want to work with their animal friends at home will benefit as well from the course. 

A deposit must be received with your registration to hold your reservation.  Upon receipt of your deposit, we send a confirmation letter, accomodation list and a map.

Course Content and Description

Animal Anatomy and Physiology
The anatomy and physiology of the individual species will be discussed as it applies to massage therapy.  Anatomical drawings and models will be used to enhance learning.
Massage Theory
Theories of Swedish, pre-event and post-event massage will be presented. Discussions include massage therapy and principles, as they clinically apply to the anatomy and physiology of each body part and the body as a whole. The therapeutic effects of each massage procedures are included in discussions as well. Further, we explore improved self-awareness for the animal through better movement patterns/actions.
Massage Clinical Practice
Students practice the adapted massage therapy techniques of Swedish, pre-event and post-event massage on humans, then transfer those skills to the animal. We practice logical choreographed massage therapy sequences for Swedish maintenance massage, pre-event massage and post-event massage adapted for the particular animal being massaged. Discussion and presentation emphasizes safety, and proper body mechanics for the therapist and the animal subject.
Clinical Application
Discussion of the law as it applies to massage therapy is covered. Discussion of the clinical approach to problem solving of common functional maladies that occur in animals, such as those found in performance animals, domestic (pet) animals, and the backyard animal are included and the application of massage to those problems. The presentation addresses some of the different breeds and common postural dysfunction or system problems in those breeds and how massage could possibly manage those problems.

What to Bring

• Bring casual clothing.
• Bring closed-toe shoes for equine clinics.
• Paper, pen, crayons or colored pencils.
• If you have a stuffed dog, horse or cat, you may need it for practice.
• Bring your animal, if possible.  Please make arrangements ahead of time with ITT.  A health certificate is required.  Dogs need to have a crate if you need to leave them for lunch.  
• In the summer, bring insect spray.

Equine Massage    Prerequisite: None.

Introduction to Massage   Level I

Equine massage introduction, level I, teaches adapted Swedish and Sports Massage Techniques for the equine. The course is intensive, teaching a full-body relaxation massage choreography as well as pre- and post-event sports massage choreography. The massage techniques and theory of application behind them are taught. The muscle anatomy of the horse section covers muscles and the primary actions produced by these muscles. General equine wellness information, business and ethics, safety, as well as ideas on how to get started, are discussed. Students should bring colored pens or pencils, note pad and a stuffed four-legged animal, horse stories and photos.

Note:Your horse is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your horse, we have horses available here for the class exercises.

Equine Massage 

Advanced Massage Techniques   Level II

****************************************************************

A video of you performing your horse massage must be sent for review. For details call or email the office. Equine level II is based on the massage techniques learned in the 1st-level course. The curriculum covers adjunctive topics which affect the performance of the horse such as shoeing, dentistry, and saddle fit. Additional anatomy and physiology are covered, as well as case studies. A horse project will be developed by each student during the week. Students bring a disposable camera, colored pens or pencils, clip board, a notepad and a measuring tape, case studies and horse-friend photos.

Canine Massage    Prerequisite: None.

Introduction to Massage   Level I     

Canine Massage, level I introduction, teaches several massage techniques for relaxation and how to apply several of these techniques for sports-massage application. The diversity of the canine anatomy, the application of adapted massage techniques and canine behavior and body language are part of the curriculum. Safety, ethics, and record keeping are discussed. Massage choreography will be developed during the workshop. Students should bring canine friends if possible, or a stuffed animal surrogate, colored pens or pencils, notepad and dog stories and photos. 

Note:Your dog is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your dog, we have dogs available here for the class exercises.                                           

Canine Massage 

Massage Applications Level II   Prerequisite: Canine Level I Introduction.

More anatomy and physiology, additional massage techniques, business applications and choreography for relaxation, performance enhancement, and reduction of stress will be developed and discussed. We will begin to look at the gaits of the dog, paying particular attention to imbalances and what the dog might be telling us.  Ethics, business practices, and networking discussions will be held as well. Students bring your canine companion if possible, or a stuffed surrogate, a notebook, pens and more dog stories and photos. 

Note:Your dog is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your dog, we have dogs available here for the class exercises.                    

Feline Massage    Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Massage

Feline massage introduction teaches feline massage, using general Swedish and sports-massage techniques. We cover anatomy and physiology of muscles, personality traits and body language, and the adaptations of massage technique. Students, please bring your feline companions, if possible, or a stuffed representative, pens or colored pencils, a notepad and cat stories and photos.

Note:Your cat is welcome; however, if you cannot bring your cat, we have cats available here for the class exercises.

If you bring your feline companions, please bring them in a carrier or something for their safe haven.

Location:  2080 Tallyho Dr., Aiken South Carolina

back to top