Area Covered: East Devon and South West Dorset
Telephone: 01297 647463 / 07962 980150
Email: karenjstevenson@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook: Canine Symmetry
About the Therapist
I am passionate about making a difference for the health and well-being for dogs.
Thirteen years ago, with the onset of spinal arthritis in our young Pointer, I saw the benefits to be gained with therapeutic massage.
Eventually, I was able to follow my heart by studying for two years with the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, qualifying in 2019.
As a clinical canine massage practitioner, I treat dogs from all walks of life. Whether age -related conditions, the wide variety of orthopaedic issues or muscular injuries, working, competing and domestic dogs can all be supported.
During the assessment and massage treatment, I use observational gait analysis and palpation skills to assess the muscles and other soft-tissues and joints for discomfort and restrictions. Aiming to rehabilitate areas of overcompensation and tension, improves range of movement, reduces discomfort and thereby improves a dog’s mobility and well-being.
I am fully insured and update my professional training with 25 hours a year of CPD.
This has, in massage, included:
Skill-Set Review to 3 Levels
Facilitated Stretching
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Advanced Trigger Point – with Myofascial and Neuromuscular Releases
Ventral Aspect – Direct Myofascial Releases
Other Disciplines in Which I Practice:
Ingraham Method of Innate Medicine, Applied Zoopharmacognosy. Studying with Caroline Ingraham for two years, graduating 2024 with the IMIM Diploma.
Animal self-medication whereby your canine selects plant extracts, such as essential oils, according to their needs knowing exactly what they need and how much.
This way, dogs’ can use their innate ability to bring themselves back into health to live as healthy a life as possible.
Treatment Plan
First session may be up to 1.5 hours. Generally, 1 hour thereafter.
Costs:
Please contact for costs.
Client Comments
Suffering from osteoarthritis and probable degenerative myelopathy, Bob was wobbly on his hindlegs.
After his first treatment, Bob appeared more comfortable – he was less stiff in his hindlimbs and able to stand more firmly.
Andrew & Bob, Pointer, 13 ½ years, Hertfordshire
With a previous stifle injury and mild osteoarthritis to both elbows, Jesse was stiff on getting up.
Jesse was very happy to see Karen each time and is moving better than she has for ages. She looks lithe and lively again – I hadn’t realised how stiff she had become.
Anne & Jesse, Collie, 8 years Aylesbury
With suspected carpal degenerative joint disease, Eddie was lame on his right foreleg.
An amazingly therapeutic & relaxing effect for our energetic/ intense working pointer. Improved his body tension in a way that surprised us all! Have repeated the session with equal success. A must for working dogs! Karen is so knowledgeable & dedicated, so lucky to have found her.
Diane & Eddie, Pointer, 7 years, Hertfordshire
With a suspected soft tissue injury to his right foreleg, Oddie had been intermittently lame.
I am very grateful to Karen for treating Oddie after he developed an abnormal gait. Treatment helped smooth his gait; he seems less stiff and more comfortable.
She is patient, professional, and very attuned to Oddie’s experience of massage. Highly recommended
Laura & Oddie, Collie X Australian Shepherd, 5 years, Aylesbury
Archie was lame on his left foreleg, stiff and suffering with carpal arthritis.
After sessions with Karen, Archie’s front leg limp did improve & now doesn’t have it at all. Also, it was great to see him relax as much as he did with. He is normally so busy but he was totally relaxed
Caryn & Archie English Springer Spaniel 11 years