Areas Covered: Essex
Tel: 07950 428587
Email: lisa@essexriversccm.co.uk
Website: www.essexriversccm.co.uk
About the Therapist
Hello my name is Lisa Stilwell and I run Essex Rivers Clinical Canine Massage. I work with dogs of all ages, from pets to show dogs, working dogs and canine athletes. I help to rehabilitate soft tissue injuries commonly seen as lameness and also support common orthopaedic conditions such as Hip Dysplasia and Spondylosis. Clinical Canine Massage can also be beneficial for dogs who require chronic pain management for long term conditions such as Arthritis.
I have trained for 2 years with The Canine Massage Therapy Centre and use 4 disciplines of massage. These are:
• Swedish Massage
• Sports Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Myofascial Release, both indirect and the Lenton Method® of direct Myofascial Release
I have undertaken additional training in:
• Facilitated Stretching
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage, this is a highly specialised and gentle massage technique which encourages the natural drainage and flow of Lymph.
• Ventral Aspect Techniques
• Advanced Deep Tissue Massage
• Veterinary Osteoarthritis
• Small Animal Rehabilitation
• Canine Conditioning
Between 2018 and 2025 I held the position of Clinical Trials Coordinator for the Canine Massage Guild. I spent 3 years working with the University of Winchester on the first ever study into the efficacy of Clinical Canine Massage, specifically the Lenton Method™. In June 2021 the research paper that I had the privilege of co-authoring was published in the Vet Record, distributed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA). https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.586
I have also written articles for Animal Therapy Magazine, Edition Dog Magazine and Canine Massage Guild blogs.
I am a Canine Massage Therapy Centre Licensed Workshop Instructor, I run the following 1 day workshops where you can learn to massage your own dog:
Beginners Guide to Canine Massage
Pre & Post Event Warm-up & Cool Down
Please visit my website for more information.
Cost
Prices vary depending on location, Please contact me for details.
Client Comments
My girl is a very nervous pup who takes ages to feel comfortable with anyone new. When Lisa came around to give her a massage she was so respectful of Skyler’s space. She was so gentle and caring with overall won Skyler over. Lisa is amazing at her job and understands dogs which is why I would recommend her to anyone and everyone.
18 months ago Cody had ruptured discs, resulting in nerve damage to his back legs. He also suffers from arthritis in his elbows. Cody loves Lisa’s visits; she quickly puts him at ease and he is more than happy to lay still and let her work her magic. After a treatment, Cody is noticeably able to walk faster and further, and obviously enjoys his walks more
Before Lisa came to treat my Border Collie, Archie who is 10, he was throwing his back leg and his tail was not going from side to side as it should. After just three of Lisa’s marvellous treatments, these have been corrected. Lisa is a very understanding, thoughtful and a very knowledgeable therapist always putting the welfare of Archie first. He was always relaxed and comfortable during her visits. Thank you Lisa.
I have an 11 year old Labrador who thinks she’s still a young active dog but kept getting intermittent lameness in her right front leg. After a course of treatment, which Angel absolutely adored, she is a much happier dog, active and enjoying her walks and exercise. The treatment process for the dog was managed in a calm quiet atmosphere and she slept through lots of it, she was so relaxed enjoying the deep massage treatments. As an owner Lisa explained the process very thoroughly to me and I felt extremely confident in her ability and care demonstrated to my beloved old dog.
Being ‘owned’ by Malamutes is wonderful, running them in harness makes it even more enjoyable. Lisa came to see our 5 year old Alfie for his pre-season check-up and we were amazed by what we learned from her. She was absolutely fantastic with him, he loved the attention, and obviously felt better for the therapy, his small (and previously undetected) strains were manipulated expertly, ensuring the best performance from him this season. Alfie was always happy to see Lisa each session, and that was enough proof for us that she was doing a great job. I have happily recommended Lisa to our other friends that run their dogs as her professional manner and brilliant service is something that should not be passed by. Thank you again Lisa, from myself, Neil and a happy and race fit Alfie Bear.
Bailey is a 6 year old Poochon (Poodle / Bichon Cross) who had been limping heavily on her front left leg. After several x-rays and vet’s appointments she was diagnosed with having arthritis in her left knee joint. The pain killers and other medication prescribed did not appear to be working and having spoken to Lisa we thought that it would be worth a course of treatment to see if canine massage helped. During the first treatment session, Lisa identified a problem with Baileys pectoral muscle and shoulder. After just one session, there was a noticeable improvement and we were able to take Bailey off all of her medication. After 3 sessions Baileys limp had gone completely. I would totally recommend Lisa and this method of treatment.
Vincent had his tenth massage today. Cannot believe how massively they improve his quality of life. September 2018 he was booked for his final journey to the vet. He’d had £4000 of platelet therapy, and his meds were on maximum at just under £600 a month. He went flat. His pain was excruciating and he had no interest in life. Could only walk 10 steps maximum before folding up and laying down. Such a shame to see on a massively stoic dog, with a happy go lucky nature. I tried Lisa Stilwell at Essex rivers clinical Canine massage, but didn’t expect much. Well thank god I did. He’s still with me, and most of all happy. Lisa cannot cure his problems, but she can reduce the muscle pain caused by them. Vin celebrates his 12th birthday in around 7 weeks. A huge milestone for a mastiff. Give Lisa a try if your dog is limping or acting different. You will not be disappointed.