Areas covered: Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire
Tel: 07717 844191
Email: info@fourborders-caninemassage.co.uk
Website:
About the Therapist
Hello. My name is Fiona Skinner, and I run Four Borders Canine Massage Therapy. I live on the edge of the New Forest, on the Hampshire/Dorset border with my husband Graham, and our four border collies, Archie, Charlie, Solar and Lunar, and enjoy competing in Dog Agility, and walking with my dogs.
I first discovered Canine Massage Therapy in 2017, when during Agility training, Charlie began to knock jump poles which was out of character. I was recommended to see a Guild Therapist and booked Charlie in for three massage therapy treatment sessions. The results were incredible, and Charlie was much happier, his waggy tail on overtime again, and he was more flexible in his range of movement with a far longer stride. He approached the agility equipment with renewed confidence and enthusiasm, telling me all about it! He seemed younger too, and I was so impressed with his improved mobility, that I signed up for the one-day Beginners workshop to find out more.
Seeing at first hand so many positive changes with Charlie and learning on the workshop about the huge benefits of massage for dogs, I was both inspired, and convinced that I wanted to take this further and perhaps help not only my own dogs, but as many other dogs as possible. I completed the intense and rigorous two-year Clinical Canine Practitioner Programme run by Natalie Lenton and am delighted that my dream of helping as many dogs of as possible, of all ages, to feel more comfortable through massage, has become a reality.
Clinical Canine Massage is a non-invasive therapy which by rehabilitating soft tissue injuries, can typically help to reduce and manage pain levels, improve flexibility, mobility, range of movement, mood, and comfort, and help with activities of daily living such as going up and down stairs and general exercise. It can be beneficial to both pets, and those working and sporting dogs, helping to improve performance. Massage therapy can also provide chronic pain management for dogs with orthopaedic conditions such as Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia.
I currently provide home visits. Appointments are available during weekdays, and weekday evenings.
Costs
£45 – additional travelling expenses for home visits may be incurred outside of a 5 mile radius of the Ringwood area.
Client Comments
Archie is a 7-year old very active English Springer Spaniel who lives life to the absolute limit, until several months ago when he started to develop lameness in his front left leg. This only occurred after exercise, and we began to fear that he had developed arthritis or something more sinister. He was due to go to the vet for X-rays and scans to investigate the issue.
We heard about Canine Massage Therapy and felt we’d prefer to try this approach rather than putting our fabulous fury friend at risk with anaesthesia. It was explained that results can be seen after 3 sessions.
Fiona instantly put Archie and us at ease, and Archie spent nearly all of the sessions asleep, appearing disappointed at the end of each session! Fiona was very respectful of what Archie preferred and took her time with him, working at his pace. After the first session had been completed, Archie was less stiff in his front leg. After the third session, and keeping his exercise light for a week on Fiona’s recommendation, we now have the youngest and liveliest 7 year old puppy around!! The results have been fantastic. There has been no return of lameness in the 6 weeks preceding his treatment and we have steadily increased his exercise.
There is no question that we would consult with Fiona again for massage therapy if there was any resurgence in Archie’s lameness and will book an appointment with her in the future as a treat for Archie and for preventative measures. We would have no hesitation in recommending this type of treatment to others.
Anne, Paul and Archie
Our large Leonberger George really enjoyed his massage experience. He has a tremor in his right leg and we felt he was also in some discomfort in his lower back. He is a dog that prefers to be outdoors to keep cool, so Fiona allowed him to choose his favourite spot to lay, and was happy to work with him there. Fiona handled George very well and he was completely relaxed. I have informed Fiona I would definitely like to continue with regular treatment sessions as I feel George really did benefit, his leg tremor is less apparent, and he seems far more comfortable overall with a greater range of movement and is no longer wanting to sit and rest on walks.
Gill and George
We have a Great Dane called Honey who was displaying occasional lameness. Fiona was excellent at settling Honey, she was very calm and soothing and creative in adapting the session in response to Honey’s behaviour. Each session Honey settled more quickly and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing treatment sessions. Fiona is clearly experienced in handling dogs and despite Honey’s size and at times excitable behaviour, Fiona was confident and skilled in managing her. Honey seemed much less stiff following each session, she is stretching out more, and has showed no sign of lameness since the treatment began.
Heidi and Honey
Ruma was suffering with mild lameness in her front leg after exercise. Over the course of the three sessions, I was relieved to see improvement. Ruma has definitely benefitted from the massage treatment sessions, so much so that she wants to keep doing ‘zoomies’ around the house. Fiona was kind, patient, and conscientious towards Ruma, she handled her with with confidence and gentleness, and worked with Ruma. Nothing was forced. With Fiona working at Ruma’s pace, it was lovely to see Ruma relax into the massage, and Fiona got lots of kisses from Ruma as a ‘thank you’ afterwards.
Karen and Ruma