Ofqual Regulated Level 4 Diploma
CANINE MYOFASCIAL REHABILITATION
(GALEN MYOTHERAPY)
Developed in partnership with Gatehouse Awards, the Level 4 Ofqual regulated qualifications deliver the knowledge and tools for you to practice as a Registered Galen Myotherapist.
Read on to discover more about this course!
IS THIS QUALIFICATION RIGHT FOR ME?​
Galen Myotherapy offers a number of variations of the Ofqual Level 4 regulated qualification.
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This version, the 'full' diploma, is right for you if you:
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are driven by a deep passion for improving dog's lives and promoting canine welfare
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can demonstrate prior experience of safely handling and interacting with healthy canines. This experience may be gained through employment in a canine-related role, voluntary work with rescue or welfare organisations or canine training facilities, or through responsible ownership and handling of dogs as pets.
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have access to a suitable, healthy canine for practice and assessment purposes
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are aged 18 years or over at the start of the programme
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have a proficient level of spoken and written English (e.g. GCSE Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent). If English is not your first language, an English language level of International English C1 (CEFR) is required.
Inclusive and Accessible Learning
We are committed to providing inclusive and accessible learning pathways, including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), to support learners from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds.
Duration
You have 2 years to complete this course
Full Qualification Specification available here
Study Hours
483 hours of self directed study
207 hours of guided learning (with tutors in groups or 1-1)
690 hours commitment in total
Price
£5,438.40 including VAT
9 month interest free payment plan available
COURSE CONTENT
UNIT 1
​The Principles of Human & Canine Massage
This unit introduces foundational principles and practical knowledge for safe and effective massage. You will begin by exploring key Swedish massage techniques, their application to both humans and canines, and their physiological and psychological effects including the effects on homeostasis and why that is important for therapists applying myofascial techniques.
Research into the history and benefits of human massage to further build on your understanding of the potential impacts of the techniques, both positive and negative. The basic legal implications are introduced as they apply to the practice of Galen Myotherapy.
On completing this unit, you will have a foundational understanding of the principles of human and canine massage and understand the impacts and considerations from physiological, psychological and legal perspectives.
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70 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 2
Canine Skeletal Anatomy
You will study the canine skeleton including the positioning, anatomical features and
functions of the canine skeleton. This includes studying the positioning of bones, describing the main anatomical features of major bones, analysing the role and function of different forms and shapes of major canine bones, and explaining how their anatomy is important to
different muscle functions.
You will also explore how understanding the canine skeletal system develops and improves your overall understanding of this system, and why knowledge in this field is essential for a canine myotherapist.
Upon completing this unit, you will achieve a comprehensive understanding of the
canine skeletal system, including its structures, functions, and clinical relevance for canine
myofascial techniques
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70 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 3
Canine Locomotion - The Musculature
Learning is focused on canine musculature and its role in locomotion. You will study the
location, anatomical orientation, origin, insertion, and action of canine muscles, including
major muscle groups, thoracic limb muscles, and hip flexors. The curriculum also covers
muscle fibre anatomy, types, and characteristics, muscle cell structure, the sliding filament
theory, and how muscle structure influences movement. Additionally, the unit explores
connective fascia, its types, functions, role in proprioception, and factors affecting its
integrity.
Upon completing the unit, learners will understand how to locate and identify the action of
the main muscles in a canine. They will have confidence in the anatomy of a muscle,
including its fibres and cells, and understand the function of the connective fascia.
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80 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 4
The Canine Skin, Lymphatic and Venous Systems
You will study the physiological functions and key anatomical features of these systems, exploring how myofascial techniques impact these key systems, including the physiological responses of the skin to massage, the effects of Galen Myotherapy and the interrelationship of the venous system with massage.
The unit also covers the role of skin in overall health, its barrier and sensory functions, temperature regulation, and immune system contributions, as well as factors affecting venous return.
Upon completing this unit, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the canine skin, lymphatic, and venous systems. This includes their anatomy, physiological functions, and how they are affected by massage and myofascial techniques. You will also be able to identify key anatomical features and understand the impact of these systems on overall canine health and wellbeing.
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80 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 5
The Canine Nervous System, Soft Tissue Injury and Common Pathologies
You will study how myofascial techniques influence both the peripheral and central
nervous systems, as well as the autonomic nervous system. You will gain knowledge of
common musculoskeletal, neurological, and systemic conditions affecting canines, including
their signs, symptoms, causes, and impact on mobility. You will also learn about contraindications and indications for Galen Myotherapy.
Upon completing this unit, you will have a comprehensive understanding of canine
physiological systems, how they are interdependent, their impact on health and healing and
how myofascial techniques work with them.
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70 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 6
Practical Application of Galen Myotherapy Techniques
You will study how to apply Galen Myotherapy techniques on dogs after developing your assessment and palpation skills. During the in-person 80 practical hours teaching in the south of the UK, you will build on your theory foundations and translate that knowledge to live canines, including identifying and palpating soft tissues and bony landmarks on a range of breeds and canines of various ages and with different underlying conditions.
Upon completing this unit, you will have confidence to use appropriate assessment techniques to devise a treatment session for a canine. You will use that knowledge to apply Galen Myotherapy techniques to address any issues identified and confidently analyse areas of success and for improvement.
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120 hours study in total
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Accessed via secure portal
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80 hours in person practical learning
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 7
Canine Postural Analysis
You will study how to visually assess the posture of canines. You will build on theory foundations and apply that knowledge to visually identify healthy and unhealthy postural presentations, then plan how to address those through Galen Myotherapy treatments, functional movement and environmental adaptations.
Upon completing this unit, you will have confidence to use visual postural assessment techniques to inform a treatment session for a canine. You will use that knowledge to apply myofascial techniques to address any issues identified and confidently analyse areas of success and for improvement.
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70 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 8
Professional Standards and Business Practice
In this unit, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of your professional obligations, responsibilities, and accountability as practitioners in Galen Myotherapy.
You will explore and reflect on potential moral and ethical conflicts that may arise in clinical practice, highlighting the importance of working within your scope of practice, recognising your limitations, and adhering to the Code of Practice set by you Professional Association.
The unit fosters professionalism by developing interpersonal and effective communication
skills essential for working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). You will learn to communicate effectively, manage conflicts professionally, and understand your responsibility to seek appropriate guidance and support.
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80 hours study
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Accessed via secure portal
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Self paced theory modules
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
UNIT 9
Case Studies in Canine Myofascial Rehabilitation
The unit promotes autonomy in practice, whilst supporting your learning with 1-1 tutor
guidance.
You will identify case study canines which will be a range of breeds, ages, sizes and have a range of conditions. You will consult with guardians, veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals, analyse posture and movement, conduct palpations, plan and deliver treatments and identify results. You will also critically reflect on their practice, identifying areas for improvement.
After completing this unit, you will be confidently designing and implementing Galen Myotherapy treatments working alongside a multi-disciplinary team, the guardians and, most importantly, with the canine at the heart of the interventions.
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50 hours study in total
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Accessed via secure portal
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3 case studies
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Supported live learning tutorials (video calls)
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re as passionate about helping dogs as we are, then we would love to talk to you!
You can contact us at any time via chat or book in for a video call to speak to one of our team. They will be happy to answer any questions you have about our courses or how we work at Galen Myotherapy.
