We bend, lift and shift. We brush, scissor, detangle, and scrub. We spend much of the day on our feet. There is no arguing the fact that pet grooming is a physically demanding job. Even young, fit pet stylists report feeling aches and pains, and those of us who are older compare notes about our physical ailments at an astonishing pace. But help is available to keep our bodies working at their optimum capacity.
Indulging in a full-body massage by a licensed massage therapist may seem like an indulgence, but it is so much more. Professional massage therapy is a powerful tool for maintaining good physical and mental health. Massage therapy can reduce pain by decreasing muscle and joint stiffness. Not only that, but massage can also improve sleep quality, improve circulation, reduce stress, improve mental health, help reduce toxins in your body, and even boost your immune system. A skilled therapist can design a specific program, especially for you, to help precisely soothe any problems you are experiencing.
Ask your primary care physician, other healthcare professionals, and friends for referrals to find a skilled therapist. Some massage therapy may be covered under your health insurance if your physician prescribes it, so check into that possibility.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/benefits-of-massage-therapy
Another gift to groomers’ hard-working bodies is chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic adjustments are not just about spinal care. Treatment involves the nervous system and improves musculoskeletal health as well. Regular chiropractic care can increase your range of motion, improve your respiratory and digestive systems, increase your immune systems effectiveness, and improve your balance, among other benefits.
Chiropractic care is non-invasive, and routine visits can be a considerable boon to groomers, dramatically reducing the discomforts our career may bring. Some chiropractors work with primary care physicians, so ask your PCP if they recommend someone in your area. In addition, many chiropractors have massage therapists working in their practice. If you are interested in exploring both treatments, look to see if you can find a business near you that offers tandem services.
Taking care of our hard-working bodies is an important way to ensure we can continue comfortably enjoying our careers for as long as we want.
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals.
