Areas covered: Galashiels, Scottish Borders
Tel: 07542855962
Email: borderscaninemassage@hotmail.com
About the therapist
I am Karen Tubbecke and I run Borders Clinical Canine massage, based in Galashiels in the Scottish borders. I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2007 and have worked in small animal practice, mixed practice, charity and hospital settings. Since 2015 I have worked as an animal care lecturer in a further education college.
I have always had an interest in pain management throughout my career, in particular complementary therapy. I attended the beginners guide to canine massage workshop along with my dog Breagha. At the workshop I was advised that Breagha would benefit from seeing a massage therapist. Following the treatment I noticed an improvement in her mobility and activities of daily living. This fuelled my interest in the canine massage course even more and I was successful in gaining a place on the course and I became a clinical canine massage therapist in April 2022.
Massage helps to rehabilitate soft tissue injuries which are commonly seen as, lameness, change in behaviour and slowing down. It also helps to provide chronic pain management for orthopaedic conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Massage can help to manage 5 principles of pain which are –
• Gait
• Performance
• Activities of daily living
• Posture
• Behaviour
Massage achieves results within 1-3 sessions and I use 4 disciplines of massage to achieve this which are-
• Myofascial release
• Sports massage
• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Lenton Method™
Cost
£35
Client Comments
Barney was very reactive when his legs were touched and seemed to be stiff and hobbled during exercise. He didn’t have much drive for walking and couldn’t last long on walks. After the three session Barney has completely changed, he has more get up and go and can last longer when out on his walks, he is less reactive when groomed which as improved my bond with him significantly. I think with Karen’s gentle handling and methods this has built his trust in new people and myself. He is a much happier dog and would definitely recommend Karen.
Barney, 4 year old, Rough Collie
Pixie was struggling with jumping on and off the furniture, her age was beginning to show. After the sessions she was much freer and was hopping on and off furniture easily. She was also much more animated and playful.
Pixie, 13 year old, Pomeranian
Aggie is not as stiff in her joints as she was before, she is happy to have a play in the evening which she has not done for a few months. Would definitely recommend Karen to anyone who needed a canine massage practitioner, and will use her again in the future.
Aggie, 14 year old, Golden Labrador
My husband walked Haggis 2 days after his third session and was extremely surprised at the positive difference. His lameness has currently vanished and he has more energy and mobility. I want to thank Karen for her care to both our dogs and the ease with which she allowed me to trust her expertise and her loving attitude to Haggis and Dougal.
Haggis, 11 year old, Black Labrador