Demystifying Galen Canine Myotherapy: Why Choice-Led Care Matters

Lisa Buchanan
Oct 26
2 min read

At the Pet Valu Halloween Party yesterday, I realized something: most people have no idea what Galen Myotherapy and a choice led treatment involve and I don't do the most amazing job of explaining it! I get way too excited.

So, let’s demystify it.

What Is Galen Canine Myotherapy?

Galen Myotherapy is a specialized form of canine massage focused on muscle health and mobility. With it, I use targeted techniques to help dogs move more comfortably, reduce pain, and support overall wellness.

What Does “Choice-Led” Mean?

This is where things get interesting...and where I often see confusion set in. Choice-led means we work with dogs, not on them. It’s a philosophy that unites Galen Myotherapy and Animal Reiki: the dog has agency in the process. This is why I practice these therapies together.

Instead of forcing a treatment, we invite the dog to participate. This approach builds trust, reduces stress, and allows the nervous system to cooperate. Healing happens best when the body feels safe.

What a Session Looks Like

Here’s how Galen Canine Myotherapy choice-led care session works in practice:

I set up a treatment area, usually defined by a blanket or bed.
The unspoken rule: I don’t touch the dog unless they’re in that space.
The guardian and I sit nearby, encouraging the dog gently.
Then we wait. Patience is key. The dog may circle, sniff, or walk away before deciding to settle. They may do this several times!

Sometimes it takes as many as three appointments before a dog feels relaxed enough for a full treatment — and that’s okay. When they choose to engage, the results are profound.

Why This Approach Matters

Like us, dogs have a nervous system. When they feel safe and in control:

Heart rate lowers
Breathing slows
Blood and lymph flow freely

This means we’re working with the body, not against it.

And here’s another practical reason: if a dog doesn’t cooperate, manual therapy simply won’t work. Restraints or tricks might force compliance, but they spike stress and stress blocks healing.

Listening to the Dog

Every movement tells fills in the gaps in their story:

If they move away when I touch the left hip, that’s information.
If they pace for an hour, that’s information.
If they offer me their right hip, that’s information.

I’m constantly assessing and re-assessing, just as they’re assessing me. When trust finally blooms and when I hear relaxed breathing, see a lolling tongue, and maybe even a snore.....that’s the sweet spot!