What is Galen Myotherapy?
Galen Myotherapy: Targeted Massage Therapy to Reduce the Discomfort of Musculoskeletal Issues in Dogs
Galen Myotherapy is a specialised, hands-on clinical canine massage treatment designed to provide targeted pain relief for dogs living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Each session is tailored to your dog's specific needs, with personalised massage treatments complemented by lifestyle and environmental advice to support their overall well-being.
This therapy can be integrated into a multimodal approach to pain management for various conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Luxating Patellas
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Cruciate Ligament Issues
- Spondylitis
- Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (CDM)
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Ongoing or Intermittent Lameness
- Compensatory Issues
- Prehabilitation & Rehabilitation
Galen Myotherapy follows the Positive PACT method, a consent-based approach that allows dogs to choose the pace and depth of treatment, ensuring a stress-free, positive experience.
Regular sessions can help dogs move more freely, feel more comfortable, and stay active for longer, making it a valuable part of a multimodal approach to their care.
Veterinary Consent & Booking Information
It is a legal requirement for all dogs receiving myotherapy to have signed consent from their vet to confirm the dog is in a suitable state of health to receive treatment. I’m happy to assist with this process—please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Benefits of Galen Myotherapy
Galen Myotherapy is a specialised form of canine massage therapy designed to improve dogs’ mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. This non-invasive, hands-on therapy focuses on targeting muscular issues, relieving tension, and addressing areas of compensation caused by injury, chronic conditions, or postural imbalances.
For dogs with chronic conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or postural issues, Galen Myotherapy plays a key role in managing pain and improving quality of life. Dogs naturally adjust their movement and posture to compensate for pain, stiffness, or past injuries. Over time, this can lead to muscular imbalances, discomfort, and restricted mobility. Galen Myotherapy helps to:
Reduce stiffness and maintain joint mobility.
Enhance relaxation through the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
Improve proprioception, which helps dogs stay aware of their body position and improves movement.
Release tension in overworked muscles and fascia that may be causing restriction.
Improve circulation to promote healing and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Encourage balanced movement by addressing postural adaptations.
Additionally, sports dogs and highly active dogs can greatly benefit from Galen Myotherapy. Dogs do not need a diagnosis to receive or benefit from treatment.
Regular treatments can help prevent injuries, maintain flexibility, and support overall muscular health, allowing them to perform at their best while reducing strain on their bodies.
Positive Pact®
I joined Galen Myotherapy because of the Positive PACT® methodology, which improves outcomes by building trust and fostering clear communication between the therapist, guardian and the dog. Developed by Julia Robertson, Positive PACT® is a choice-led process.
To achieve effective results our goal in treatment is to ensure your dog is as relaxed as possible. To do this your dog is given the choice of how, where and if they are treated, and always is free to move away if they need to take a break. By giving choice, the dog is self-motivated to take part in treatment and free from the stress of having treatment imposed upon them.
Working this way means that treatment is possible for dogs who may otherwise struggle to engage and helps dogs be treated over areas they may otherwise struggle with.
This means every treatment looks different and is tailored to what the dog needs in that session.
Where I Work
I am currently based in Newcastle upon Tyne and offer a mobile service across North East England. Services are delivered in your home, which for many dogs helps them feel relaxed enough to engage in treatment.
I currently serve most of the North East including (but not limited to)
Newcastle upon Tyne
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
South East Northumberland
West Northumberland
Sunderland
If you do not see you area listed please drop me a message as I may still be able to help.
Telephone Support
This one-hour call provides calm, expert support for owners who want to better understand their dog’s comfort, mobility, and general musculoskeletal health. While I cannot assess, diagnose, or treat your dog remotely, this session creates space to talk through any concerns you may have and to help you feel more confident about the next steps.
We can explore common signs of pain, age-related or activity-related musculoskeletal issues, and simple warm-up ideas that support safer movement. I can also discuss ways to help your dog maintain healthy muscles, reduce strain, and stay comfortable in everyday life, including exploring complementary therapies, how these may help your dog and signposting to services in your area.
If you’re preparing for a veterinary appointment, we can look at questions you may wish to ask, how to explain what you’re noticing, and how to feel more informed about potential investigations such as imaging. Where appropriate, I can also signpost you to other qualified professionals or services that may support your dog’s needs.
After the call, you’ll receive a clear written summary covering everything we discussed, giving you practical points to refer back to in your own time.
Contact me to discuss if this service is right for you.
"Thank goodness for Liz and her knowledge and understanding of pain and its effects . I had an amazing phone consultation with Liz after sending a wee video of my Border Terrier who is currently under a behaviourist and a pain trial. Liz helped me understand what might be going on with my wee boy and helped me with a wee roadmap for what we might explore next with him. As we get closer to a diagnosis, it was good to get a different perspective from Liz as the behaviourist is covering what's going on in his head , the vets is providing a pain free circumstance for those behavioural changes to take place. But Liz can offer a different perspective of knowledge and support (and banter) around pain management, progressing towards a diagnosis and supporting and helping a wee dog who is in pain and can't tell us what's wrong. Highly recommend and will continue to rely on Liz's advice as we move towards the next part of our journey. Thanks so much Liz" - Chris
Pricing
Initial Assessment Appointment - £60 - 1 ½ Hours
Initial appointments are arranged once I have received your booking form and a signed consent form from your vet.
What's included?
- Postural and gait analysis
- Massage session around 45 minutes*
- Written plan including advice on environment, lifestyle and equipment
- Support during the session and via Whatsapp afterwards
- your vet receives a report after the inital course of treatment
I am a mobile therapist and all treatments will be delivered in your home.
Follow up/Maintenance Treatment - £40 - 1 hour
Follow-up appointments support your dog’s progress and continue to improve their comfort. These sessions are usually scheduled 7–10 days apart during the initial course of treatment.
Maintenance treatments help to keep your dog at their optimum level of comfort once the initial course is complete. The need and frequency will vary depending on your dog’s individual condition.
What's included?
- Massage session around 45 minutes*
- Support during the session and via Whatsapp afterwards
- Review of you written plan and any further recommendations
Your vet will receive a written report following the initial course of treatment.
I am a mobile therapist and all treatments will be delivered in your home.
Multi Dog Households
Do you have more than one dog requiring treatment? No problem!
Please contact me to discuss your specific needs. Price on enquiry.
Price of treatment is based on a travel distance of 15 miles from NE15 6AZ.
For locations beyond this, the fee is charged plus 45p per mile (both ways), calculated using Google Maps. This will be agreed upon prior to your first appointment.
* I aim offer 45 minutes of massage to your dog, however I used a choice based approach and length of time your dog will be massaged for depends on how much they are willing to engage in any given session. You can read more about POSITIVE PACT® here.
Telephone Support - £25 - 1 hour
A supportive call covering signs of pain, common musculoskeletal issues, warm-ups, and ways to maintain healthy movement. I can’t assess or treat your dog remotely, but I can offer clear guidance, help you prepare for vet visits, and signpost to suitable professionals or services. A written summary is included after the call.
Contact Me
Telephone: 07891865972
E-mail: liz@lmcaninetherapy.co.uk
Opening hours: Tuesday - 1pm - 7pm, Wednesday 10am - 6pm, Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 1pm - 6pm