About
Michelle Pank (MISRM, SST, MIAAT)
Hi, I am Michelle a fully qualified and insured canine massage therapist, providing soft tissue treatment for pet, working and sporting dogs in and around Oxfordshire.
I originally qualified in 2012 with a level 5 qualification in Sport and Remedial Massage and then additional study to complete an MSc in Sports Therapy for humans.
I am a proud pet parent of a rescue sprollie, Jack, who I regularly do canicross (a type of running with dogs) and mountain walks with.
After years of seeing the benefits soft tissue therapy has on humans I decided to develop my skills further to help dogs, completing my Level 4 in Canine Therapeutic Massage with TCAP in 2025.
What is massage?
Canine massage is a type of soft tissue therapy using hands-on techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As with human massage the techniques applied promote relaxation of tense/tight muscles increasing joint range of movement helping with mobility, reduced pain and results in general promotion of health and well-being.
Who can it benefit?
Canine massage is suitable for all dogs, all shapes, sizes and breeds however massage will be of particular benefit to:
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Older dogs, those who are beginning to slow down but have no specific injury
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Dogs recovering from injury/surgery
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Dogs with arthritis and chronic pain
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Working and sporting dogs, those involved sports such as agility, cani-cross and flyball
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Anxious dogs; helping to reduce stress for a calmer dog
When can massage help?
If you have observed any of the following symptoms in your dog then massage may be the treatment for them:
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Limping/lameness- Off-loading a particular leg, muscle wastage/weakness, reduction of range of movement in one or more joints
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Stiffness- Following exercise or getting up following rest, this may also be accompanied by whining, yelping
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Problems going up/down stairs,
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Problems getting in and out the car- Hesitance or refusal​
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Grumpy, withdrawn or change in personality- Hesitant or avoiding being touched
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Poor performance; fatiguing quickly, avoiding/clipping jumps during agility etc
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Massage can provide many benefits for your dog:
Physical Benefits:
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Reduces pain
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Increased flexibility and joint mobility, thus reducing stiffness
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Increase and improve circulation- assisting in tissue healing
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Reduce muscle spasm
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Improve dog's gait ​
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Aid recovery from injury/surgery, often reducing recovery time
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Improve performance in sporting and working dogs
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Behavioural Benefits:
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Helps reduce anxiety
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Improved sleep
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Strengthen bond
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Benefits
Booking Information
Veterinary Consent
I acknowledge and respect the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 2015, and I will never treat or work on an animal without obtaining prior consent from a vet. Having consent from your vet ensures I know your dog's medical history and that we are able to provide the most suitable treatment for your dog.
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PLEASE NOTE:
If your dog has had any vaccination/boosters we are required to wait for a period of two weeks before performing any treatment on the dog, therefore please take this into account when booking your dog's session.
Where & When
All treatment will be performed in the dog's home environment, this is to help keep them relaxed and reduce any additional stress.
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Appointments times offered may be weekday and evenings, or weekends depending on availability of both myself and you.
Prices
Initial Consultation £50
Up to 1hour 30mins
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Follow up Appointments £45
1 hour
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Travel
Within 10 miles of Bicester included
Outside of 10 miles of Bicester 45p per mile added
At Alchester Canine Massage our client's health, happiness and well-being are paramount but don't take our word for it
Happy Clients
Dog
Simba
Simba was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at 18 months, with regular massage his mobility and pain are greatly improved allowing him to live his life to the fullest whether that be in woods or the beach
Dog
Kwispel
Although a slightly older lady, Kwispel has a very active lifestyle, receiving regular massage has reduced her joint stiffness which allows her to run around like a dog half her age
Contact Us
If you have any queries about whether massage is the right treatment for your dog then please contact us. We offer a free phone call to discuss your dog's needs to answer any questions you may have
