Beyond Dog Massage

Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the US Endurance Team in 2006, 2008, and 2010, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American, and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of bodywork to therapists, horse owners, and now, dog owners, in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the animal to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect health, performance, and the ability to connect. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of bodywork that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at the same time opening new levels of communication and trust. In the past few years, Jim has worked with small animal veterinarians to bring his method to the canine world. Robin Robinett, DVM, has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas A&M in Biology. She returned to Houston and worked at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for two years before returning to Texas A&M, from which she graduated in 1989 with a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Robinett worked for the Houston SPCA for a year after graduation, then was a co-owner and founder of a veterinary hospital in Pearland. Starting in 1997, she did small animal veterinary relief work and had a mobile practice for veterinary chiropractic. She has been certified in Animal Chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association since 1996 and was certified in Acupuncture by the Chi University in 2009. Dr. Robinett opened Veterinary Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic in Houston in October 2008, which provides chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation services for dogs, cats, and horses. VCRC is one of the few privately owned clinics in the United States that does small animal and equine rehabilitation and has an underwater treadmill for dogs and one for horses.