We believe you need to be well-versed in five basic areas of study. During this course you will be exposed to this information through these five subject areas:

• Behavior and Handling
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Massage Techniques
• First Aid and CPR

Each area of study is vital to learning massage as taught by NWSAM. Our philosophy is fairly simple. We want to provide an experience for the dog that will help to optimize its performance potential from a physiological and a psychological aspect. We believe the physical and mental states are inseparable and the glue that binds the two together is the nervous system. Therefore, our massage techniques are designed not only to address the immediate needs of the tissues but also to educate the dog’s body and mind of a more flowing and efficient manner of movement. Providing this level of benefit to the dog requires understanding and applying these fundamental concepts.

Topics Covered in This Course

Swedish Massage

Fascial Anatomy

Massage for Health Maintenance

Geriatric Massage

Range of Motion and Safe Stretching

Conformation and Gait Analysis

Business Practices and Ethics

At NWSAM, we supply the information for your mind, which will guide, supplement, and magnify what your heart and body learn through touch. Over time, your touch will become increasingly effective and efficient at influencing positive changes for your animal clients. Rather than teaching you a specific massage routine, our goal is to provide you with a variety of tools and a process of evaluation, decision-making, and application that empowers you to treat each dog as an individual.

Certification is awarded after completing this course, the 5-day practical and required case studies.

Namaste,

Lola Michelin, Director of Education
Northwest School of Animal Massage