Looking After the Canine Body for Sports: A real case studyhighlightingthe importance of muscular health in agility dogs

Owner Observations.

Frankie is a 7-year-old Border Terrier who has a moderately active lifestyle; as well as

enjoying daily walks and adventures, Frankie and his owner also train and compete

regularly in dog agility. Dog agility is a canine sport where a handler directs a dog through

an obstacle course, consisting of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other obstacles, all

against the clock. The dog must complete the course as quickly and accurately as possible,

following the handler's instructions. It's a fun and engaging activity that combines physical exercise with mental stimulation for both the dog and the handler. Recently Frankies owner, alongside her agility instructor, began to notice subtle but concerning behavioural and performance changes whilst Frankie was at training or competition which included (but were not limited to):

• Displacement behaviours such as stopping mid-run to sniff or hesitating at the start line. Frankie’s owner commented “I was struggling to get Frankie to concentrate and he

  seemed more interested in sniffing”.

• Avoidance or slow completion of certain obstacles, particularly the seesaw.

• Measured take-off before jumps and difficulty turning left – observed by Frankie’s

  agility instructor. Frankie would turn fluidly to the right but avoided or struggled with

  left turns.

• A general dip in enthusiasm during training and competition.

These small signs can be easily mistaken for distraction or attitude - but they were actually

the first clues of underlying muscular dysfunction.

Step one: Identifying the problems.

Frankie was assessed in clinic including gait analysis, postural and functional assessment

and palpation. It was here where multiple compensations and areas of muscular imbalance

were discovered. Clinical Findings included (but were not limited to):

• A curved top line, with his chest displaced left and right-side lumbar shortening.

• A heavy front-end load, significantly exceeding the typical 60:40 front/hind balance.

• Tension and overuse in key forelimb muscles (pectorals, biceps, triceps).

• Thoracic myofascial restrictions contributing to reduced mobility, flexibility and

  compensation.

• Weakness in the left hind limb, due to an old gracilis muscle injury identified by

  palpation of scar tissue.

• Tightened lumbar and flank muscles more so on the right side.

• Tail overuse as part of his overall imbalance strategy for stability and balance.

Step two: Formulating a Treatment Plan.

Frankie received a targeted plan combining clinical canine massage therapy in clinic with ongoing owner involvement:

Phase 1: Relieving Tension and Releasing Restrictions.

Three initial massage sessions were given targeting fascial restrictions in the thoracic sling and lumbars. These sessions included the use of direct and indirect myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and scar tissue techniques for the hind limb injury. Frankie also received therapies with a local McTimoney therapist for complementary structural support and Frankie’s owner provided at home care including daily heat therapy and stretching.

Phase 2: Restoring Balance and Building Strength.

Once the forelimb tension had eased, work shifted to improving stride length and correcting Frankie's overall weight distribution. Focused treatments were given on hind limbs for awareness and muscular strength. Sessions were gradually spaced further apart as posture and performance improved.

The Outcomes

Short-Term Results:

• After just two sessions, Frankie's enthusiasm returned, and his agility performance improved dramatically.

• Postural corrections were visible after the second treatment, with further improvements by the third.

Medium-Term Results:

• A much more even weight distribution has been restored.

• Tension and overuse in key forelimb muscles has resolved.

• Improved thoracic flexibility and mobility has been achieved.

• Muscular health and strength have been restored in the left hind leg.

• Tightened lumbar and flank muscles have resolved.

Long-Term Results:

• Frankie and his owner have returned to competition and Frankie is confidently completing classes with no displacement behaviours.

The Conclusion of Frankie's journey with Clinical Canine Massage Therapy.

Frankie's journey highlights the power of regular muscular check-ins for not just sporting dogs but all dogs. When behavioural changes occur, muscular discomfort can often be at the root - and with the right treatment, dogs can bounce back better than ever. Clinical canine massage therapy doesn't just support recovery, it actively enhances performance, prevents injury, and keeps our sporting companions healthy and happy. Frankie now attends regular 4-week maintenance massage therapy sessions, with the option to extend to 6 weeks if stable. His new posture is being maintained, and regular muscular check-ins help detect any early signs of overload. Most excitingly - Frankie has recently earned his final agility win, securing a move up to the next competition grade!

Case feedback from Frankie’s owner.

‘Since Frankie has been having his treatments, he has gone from strength to strength. Whilst at training and competitions his sniffing has completely stopped, he’s more focused and now tackles the contacts without any hesitation at all. Frankie’s posture has changed dramatically, he’s now standing square and using his muscles correctly. Frankie loves his treatments and without Natalie none of this would have been possible’

Case feedback from therapist, Natalie Mitchell.

‘Frankie was an incredibly rewarding case. I feel honoured to have been a part of his team in which a great outcome was achieved. The postural changes and significant behavioural changes in Frankie were so evident and it made his case a great success. The power of touch is not to be underestimated but also the sincere dedication from Frankie’s owners were a massive contributing factor too and I’d like to offer my thanks to Frankie’s owners for allowing me to use his case as a great example of what the correct and appropriate therapies can achieve’.

Written by Clinical Canine Massage Therapist, Natalie Mitchell of NM Canine Therapies

Permissions. Photos and case used with permission from Frankie's owners, many thanks.