Our team is trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine — not just generic pet massage. Every Tui Na session is guided by proper TCVM pattern diagnosis to identify and treat the underlying energetic imbalance.
We combine TCVM Tui Na with Western manual therapy, acupressure, myofascial release, and complementary modalities (hydrotherapy, laser, acupuncture) for comprehensive care that addresses every dimension of your pet's condition.
All treatments are designed under veterinary supervision (Dr. Sara Lam BVSc). Safe, appropriate therapy — especially critical for post-surgical patients, dogs on medications, or pets with complex conditions.
We teach owners specific Tui Na and acupressure techniques to practice at home between clinic sessions. This extends therapy benefits to every day and empowers you to contribute actively to your pet's recovery.
We treat both dogs and cats. Techniques are adapted to each species' anatomy, size, and temperament. Many cats respond even more quickly to Tui Na than dogs.
Dedicated treatment rooms with temperature control, non-slip surfaces, calming environments, and all the equipment needed for comprehensive therapy sessions — including underwater treadmill, therapeutic laser, and more.
The foundation of TCVM bodywork. Tui Na uses rhythmic pressing, kneading, rolling, and gliding techniques along the body's meridian channels to move Qi (vital energy) and blood. Unlike Western massage that primarily targets muscles, Tui Na works on the energetic system — resolving Qi stagnation, clearing blockages, and restoring the smooth flow of energy throughout your dog's body. Particularly effective for chronic pain, stiffness, and internal imbalances.
Acupressure applies sustained finger pressure to specific acupuncture points (acupoints) — the same points used in veterinary acupuncture, but without needles. Each acupoint has specific therapeutic effects: LI 4 (Hegu) for pain relief, ST 36 (Zusanli) for digestive support and energy, BL 23 (Shenshu) for kidney and lower back support. Acupressure for dogs is gentle, non-invasive, and especially valuable for pets who are needle-sensitive or as a complement between acupuncture sessions.
Gentle, sustained pressure applied to fascia — the connective tissue network that surrounds every muscle, organ, and joint. Fascial restrictions from surgery, injury, or chronic compensation cause pain, reduced range of motion, and altered movement patterns. Myofascial release restores tissue gliding, reduces adhesions, and improves mobility. Combined with Tui Na, this addresses both the energetic and structural components of your dog's condition.
Light, directional stroking along the 14 major meridian channels — stimulating Qi flow throughout the body. This gentle technique is used to open treatment sessions (preparing the body for deeper work), calm anxious patients, and maintain energetic balance between clinic visits. It's one of the simplest yet most powerful Tui Na techniques, and one we teach owners to perform at home as part of their pet's ongoing care programme.
Targeted deep tissue and trigger point techniques address muscle tension, spasm, and pain at the physical level. Combined with TCVM pattern diagnosis, we identify which muscles are affected and why — often revealing underlying energetic imbalances that perpetuate muscular problems. This integrated approach means we treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. Especially effective for dogs with chronic back pain, neck stiffness, and compensatory tension patterns.
An Mo is the gentler counterpart to Tui Na — using slower, more rhythmic pressing and stroking motions designed to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote deep relaxation. Particularly valuable for pets with anxiety, fear-based behaviours, post-traumatic stress from hospitalisation, or those needing palliative comfort care. An Mo transforms the therapy session into a deeply soothing experience for your pet.
| Aspect | TCVM Tui Na | Western Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Restores balance of Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang | Targets specific muscles and tissues |
| Diagnostic basis | TCVM pattern diagnosis (e.g., Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency) | Anatomical/biomechanical assessment |
| Technique focus | Meridian-based — follows energy channels | Muscle-based — follows anatomy |
| Treatment goal | Restore energetic balance + relieve symptoms | Relieve musculoskeletal symptoms |
| Scope | Musculoskeletal + internal organ + emotional health | Primarily musculoskeletal |
| Best for | Chronic conditions, internal imbalances, whole-body wellness | Acute injuries, specific muscle problems |
| At RehabVet | ✅ We integrate both approaches — TCVM Tui Na combined with Western manual therapy |
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions we treat with Tui Na. In TCVM terms, arthritis is often classified as Bi Syndrome — pain caused by the invasion of Wind, Cold, or Damp into the joints. Tui Na massage disperses these pathogenic factors, improves blood circulation to affected joints, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. Combined with acupressure at key points (GB 34 for tendons, ST 36 for overall vitality, BL 60 for hind limb pain), therapeutic massage provides meaningful, drug-free pain relief for arthritic dogs.
Tui Na along the Bladder meridian (which runs parallel to the spine) is profoundly effective for back pain, IVDD, spondylosis, and lumbosacral disease. Specific techniques — rolling (Gun Fa), pressing (An Fa), and kneading (Rou Fa) — release paraspinal muscle tension, improve spinal blood flow, and reduce nerve compression symptoms. Many dogs with chronic back pain show significant improvement with regular Tui Na sessions.
After orthopaedic or spinal surgery, Tui Na accelerates healing by improving blood circulation to surgical sites, reducing muscle atrophy from restricted activity, relieving compensatory tension patterns, and promoting tissue repair. Gentle meridian tracing and acupressure can begin within days of surgery (away from the surgical site), progressing to deeper techniques as healing allows.
Many dogs experience anxiety — from separation distress, noise phobias, post-hospitalisation trauma, or general fearfulness. TCVM views anxiety as a disturbance of the Shen (spirit/mind), often related to Heart or Liver Qi imbalances. An Mo massage techniques, combined with acupressure at calming points (HT 7 for Shen disturbance, GV 20 for mental clarity, Yin Tang for calming), provide deep nervous system regulation without sedation.
For dogs with stiff gaits, reluctance to move, or asymmetric movement patterns, Tui Na addresses both the muscular restrictions and energetic blockages that limit mobility. By restoring Qi flow through affected limbs and releasing fascial adhesions, dogs often show visibly improved movement quality — longer strides, smoother gait transitions, and greater willingness to be active.
Ageing dogs benefit enormously from regular Tui Na sessions. As dogs age, Qi and blood circulation naturally decline, leading to stiffness, reduced vitality, digestive changes, and cognitive decline. Regular therapeutic massage maintains circulation, supports organ function (through meridian stimulation), preserves muscle tone, and provides comfort and quality-of-life improvement for senior pets.
Tui Na isn't limited to musculoskeletal conditions. Abdominal Tui Na and acupressure at digestive points (ST 36, CV 12, SP 6) can support dogs with chronic digestive issues, poor appetite, nausea, or post-anaesthetic gut slowdown. In TCVM, the Spleen and Stomach are the foundation of health — and Tui Na is one of the gentlest ways to support their function.
Tui Na and acupressure stimulate the body's natural pain-modulation systems — releasing endorphins, reducing muscle spasm, improving blood flow, and calming inflammation. Effective pain management without adding to your dog's medication burden.
Every technique in Tui Na is designed to move blood and Qi. Improved circulation means better oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, faster healing, reduced swelling, and enhanced organ function.
Chronic muscle tension — from pain guarding, compensatory movement, or post-surgical restriction — causes its own pain cycle. Tui Na breaks this cycle by releasing trigger points, reducing hypertonic muscle tone, and restoring normal muscle function.
By releasing fascial restrictions and reducing muscle tension around joints, Tui Na directly improves how far and how easily your dog can move their joints. Combined with passive range-of-motion techniques, this restores functional mobility.
Tui Na activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the "rest and digest" state. This reduces stress hormones, lowers heart rate, improves digestive function, and creates the optimal internal environment for healing.
Improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, better range of motion, and nervous system regulation all combine to create ideal conditions for tissue repair and recovery after surgery.
The rhythmic, predictable nature of Tui Na combined with specific calming acupressure points can significantly reduce anxiety levels — particularly valuable for fearful pets, those with hospitalisation trauma, or noise phobias.
Tui Na and acupuncture share the same theoretical foundation (TCVM meridian theory). Tui Na between acupuncture sessions maintains and extends the therapeutic benefits, making the overall treatment programme more effective.
Many Tui Na and acupressure techniques can be safely taught to owners for home practice. This deepens the human-animal bond while extending therapy benefits to every day — making Tui Na one of the most practical, sustainable treatments available.
Unlike treatments that target a single problem, Tui Na treats the whole patient — improving energy, sleep quality, appetite, coat condition, and overall vitality alongside the primary condition being addressed.
Your practitioner observes your pet's constitution, tongue, pulse, and clinical signs to identify the underlying TCVM pattern — Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Dampness, Wind-Cold, or other imbalances. This guides the entire treatment approach.
Light, rhythmic strokes along the major meridian channels open the body's energy pathways, calm the nervous system, and prepare your pet for deeper work. Most dogs and cats visibly relax within minutes.
Targeted techniques address the specific TCVM pattern and clinical conditions — Tui Na along affected meridians, sustained acupressure on key points, myofascial release for structural restrictions, and deep tissue work for muscle tension. Intensity adjusted in real time based on your pet's response.
Gentle closing techniques ensure smooth Qi flow throughout the body, ground the treatment effects, and leave your pet in a calm, balanced state.
Your practitioner demonstrates specific Tui Na and acupressure techniques for you to practice at home — typically 5–10 minutes daily. Written guides provided. This extends therapy benefits to every day between clinic visits.
| Feature | Underwater Treadmill (RehabVet) | Swimming Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Water depth control | Yes — adjustable to the centimetre | No — fixed depth |
| Speed control | Yes — variable treadmill speed | No — depends on the dog |
| Suitable for non-swimmers | Yes | No |
| Weight-bearing exercise | Yes — promotes natural gait | Limited — swimming is non-weight-bearing |
| Post-surgical rehab | Excellent — controlled, safe movement | Risky — hard to control movement |
| Gait retraining | Yes — treadmill encourages normal walking | No |
| Muscle building | Targeted — resistance + walking gait | General — swimming uses different muscles |
| Best for | Surgery recovery, arthritis, IVDD, neurological rehab | General fitness, cardiovascular conditioning |
TCVM needle therapy
Chinese veterinary medicine
Manual therapy & exercises
Underwater treadmill therapy
Strengthening & proprioception
Deep tissue healing