The 5 Principles of Pain

Straightforward and easy to use, the ‘5 Principles of Pain’ chart helps you identify symptoms that may respond well to clinical canine massage therapy and to make an informed decision about its ability to deliver successful results for your dog.

If you have noticed, or have concerns about your dog’s mobility and/or behaviour, you can easily classify your observations with the 5 Principles of Pain, a useful aid for identifying symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions that could be helped by clinical canine massage.

The signs of muscular pain listed can be mistaken by some owners as simply signs of ageing or ‘just something they do’. The reality is, however, that muscular pain can be caused by anything from normal activities of daily living to chronic, arthritic conditions.

Use this table as a consultation aid

This table can help you to highlight any symptoms to your vet that apply to your dog. Together, you can discuss your pet’s suitability for clinical canine massage therapy as part of their individual healthcare, rehabilitation, pain management or wellness plan. You can also take this information sheet to your first appointment with your clinical canine massage therapist.

Can you now identify the priority principles for your dog?

Many dog owners like you who have also identified pain symptoms have chosen clinical canine massage therapy as a successful, non-invasive treatment. By reducing pain and improving mobility we aim to put a spring back in your dog’s step in just one to three sessions.

NB: Some of the symptoms on the 5 Principles of Pain table may cross over with symptoms of other diseases that are not of musculoskeletal origin. Please always seek a diagnosis from your vet. Canine Massage Guild Members are not vets (unless otherwise stated) and do not diagnose. We fully respect and acknowledge the Veterinary Act 1966 & Exemptions Order 2015.