CAT AND CANINE MUSCLE RELEASE
THERAPY
Bowen for Small Animals
CCMRT
CATS, DOGS, RABBITS, GUINEA PIGS, SMALL ANIMALS
Stiffness when moving / Difficulty going up or down steps / Difficulty jumping or performing agile movements / Crying when moving / Reluctant to play, be handled or groomed / Difficulty going to the toilet / / Constantly licking or biting a part of the body / Lameness / Hip Displasia / Spinal , joint injury or changes.
What is Cat and Canine Muscle Release Therapy?
Cat and Canine Muscle Release Therpay is very gentle, yet extremely dynamic in its effect and allows the dog to rebalance musculo skeletally, re-align functionally, reset, heal itself and bring its body back into Homeostasis (metabolic and functional balance).
It does not claim to "treat" or "cure" any condition or disease. It merely addresses the WHOLE body to bring it back into optimal Balance, Harmony and Symmetry as far as possible at that time. How effective a single treatment is or how many sessions will be needed depends on the individual animal and its circumstances. Normally 2 0r 3 sessions may be sufficient for a significant improvement to be seen. Ruth will not continue treating your dog if it does not respond sufficiently well or it does not need further treatments.
CCMRT is defined as ‘a non-diagnostic, non-invasive, non-manipulative hands-on system of bodywork addressing the whole dog with an organized series of unique, gentle, rolling moves over soft tissue.’ It is extremely gentle and respectful of the animal's state. NO needles or machines are used. Hence, it can often be used where other methods cannot and animals may accept this treatment whereas they may not accept something more invasive.
CCMRT is a series of very gentle rolling moves made by the therapist's fingers and thumbs, over muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments at very specific points of the body depending on the symptoms presented. Many of these points are over one or more Acupuncture Meridians. The therapist "reads" the animal's responses and gives appropriate short breaks inbetween sets of moves to allow the dog time to fully integrate the therapy.
CCMRT was developed by Alison Goward, the world’s leader in Equine and Animal Bowen. CCMRT was originally based on the work of the brilliant Australian Tom Bowen, who dedicated his life to the development of the renowned Bowen Technique used worldwide for people. CCMRT is however, adapted specifically for quadrupeds and especially Dogs and Cats.
CCMRT is the ONLY accredited Bowen Therapy for small animals world wide by the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia (BOWTECH) and the Bowen Association (UK). it is used for cats and dogs in all situations including breeding, showing, working dogs, agility and fly ball dogs. It is also used with racing greyhounds.
CCMRT - How does it work?
It works on the Central Nervous System and on connective tissue called Fascia.
Fascia is a thin membrane covering and connecting every tissue or system in the body and is normally loose, moist, supple and elastic enabling movement between body parts. Stress on Muscles, Tendons and Ligaments can develop from injury and trauma. Initial postural imbalances are often missed.
Fascial tissue surrounding the area will change from its normal flexible, almost fluid state to a fibrous network to support the area = increased stiffness, less able to rebalance = further discomfort and pain.
Incorrect or total loss of proprioreception (nerve feedback from muscles to brain on posture, symmetry and function) only hours after injury = body is unable to rebalance itself.
Compensation patterns develop = body tries to avoid pain and discomfort so uses muscles unevenly = posture affected further = further stiffness and pain.
Tight muscles causing restricted blood flow = reduced flow of nutrients and oxygen to surrounding areas + reduced efficiency = reduced performance, stiffness, pain and behaviour changes.
Waste products from normal cell metabolism less able to be carried away from tissues by blood = congestion, solidity in tissues, toxicity and possible illness.
Restricted lymph flow = increased lymph flow to area of injury, normal in the healing process is unable to flow away again = lymphatic swellings = further discomfort, reduced tissue function, more constriction of tissues.
Reduced production of the Enzyme required in the healing of tissues = possible slower healing.
Reduced immunity = increased risk of small injuries becoming infected, increased risk of illness.
Increased stress = dog shows he is unhappy in his behaviour.
And HOW may
Cat and Canine Muscle Release Therapy
help with all this?
Stimulates Fascia to reverse process = changes from stiff fibrous to fluid, elastic tissue = releases some of the stiffness.
Stimulates nerve cells found in fascia and muscles = recreates original pathways and revitalises proprioreception
Muscles relax work as intended = balance and symmetry is restored and bones can come back into position.
Blood flow is released = nutrients and oxygen are once again able to flow efficiently = function is improved.
Waste products able to be excreted properly = body feels and functions better.
Lymph flow is released = swellings go down and immunity levels improved.
Production of enzyme required for healing restored = improved healing time.
Endorphins released during treatment = relaxation.
Pain and discomfort reduced significantly = reduced stress levels = behaviour can return to normal.
So.....
Even though you may not think your dog has a problem it really does pay to have your dog assessed and treated periodically to avoid bigger problems. Awkward falls, fights, apparently small changes in behaviour or resistances to handling, grooming or training should be seen as an indication that your dog's balance and symmetry may be compromised. Don't wait for the bigger problem.
So.....
What may Cat and Canine Muscle Release Therapy help?
Remember..............Cat and Canine Muscle Release Therapy does not treat conditions or diseases. It treats the body as a WHOLE no matter what the diagnosis or symptoms.
- Pain Relief
- Back and Neck Pain
- Nerve Pain
- Lameness
- Stiffness
- Gait abnormalities
- Difficulty going up or down stairs
- Difficulty jumping
- Not using all 4 legs properly – hopping, skipping, pacing
- Sprains and Strains
- Post orthopaedic operations
- Osteoarthritis / Spondylitis
- Degenerative Joint Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Nerve injury, bruising etc. e.g. during birth or post operative
- Optimise well being in slowly degenerative conditions
- Respiratory problems
- Digestive and Bowel function problems
- Kidney and Bladder function
- Heart conditions
- Epilepsy
- Behavioural problems e.g. Unresolved fear, aggression, reluctance to be groomed or handled, timidity reluctance to go for walks, unresolved training difficulties
The dog will be brought back into balance both physically and mentally as far as it is naturally able at that time.
Other factors may have to be addressed before the dog can fully heal e.g. behaviour training, physiological symptoms treated by a vet, the dog's emotional balance. If necessary, Ruth will work together with your vet or other professionals to get your dog happy and healthy as quickly as possible.
STORIES and CASES
Mabel – 3yr old Airedale - Hip Dysplasia
I first called Ruth to look at my 3-y-o Airedale bitch who had hip dysplasia. She was in a lot of pain and very depressed because of the complications after an excision arthroplasty of her left femoral head, which had been performed at a veterinary hospital some weeks earlier. She was virtually non-weight bearing on the limb and had an intermittent discharging sinus.
Within 24 hours of the 1st treatment the wound was discharging a black, tarry fluid. Within 48 hours a small bony sequestrum was palpable, protruding through the wound. Forceps easily removed this. Mabel had several treatments, along with Homeopathy and although she suffered an extreme setback after tearing the TFL and Sartorius on the same limb, she is finally using the limb well and playing happily with her friends.
Diana Hodson B. V. Sc., M.R.C.V.S.
Ben – 11 yr old retired Greyhound - Seizures.
An elderly, castrated, male, retired Greyhound who had over the past few weeks been behaving very oddly. He had a non-healing wound in the centre of his forehead and was observed to have several seizes. He also started lying out in the garden in the pouring rain. He didn’t seem to realise he could go back indoors onto his dry bed unless I went out and took him there. For several weeks he refused to take his evening chew from my hand, backing off and appearing very apprehensive. He had lost weight and had a capricious appetite. I honestly felt that his quality of life was now so poor that I would have to euthanase him.
After Ben’s first treatment the wound on his head healed within 4 days and I never saw him have another seizure. He began eating better stopped lying out in the rain. After his second treatment he became much more relaxed and confident and started to take his chews from my hand happily and gradually became the gentle, loving, affectionate dog he has always been. He will quite happily play tag round the garden again with hi younger companion and often initiates these play sessions. Obviously he tires more easily than her but his quality of life is good and he is happy. His appetite is good and he has regained the weight he lost.
Diana Hodson B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.
TALLY - 6yr old Pointer - Spinal Injury due to Collision.
My 6 year old Pointer Tally, had already had a successful showing career when she started to straddle awkwardly when she walked. Originally, my vet thought she may have Wobblers Syndrome, but tests and x-rays revealed damage to the spine due to trauma at the base of the neck and withers (thought to be fusing) and the lower part of her back. The veterinary specialists would not operate due to the areas involved and the amount of damage. The outcome being that Tally would be on painkillers for the rest of her life, the first ones being Trammadol. It helped but she still walked very peculiarly. Tally also had a history of tummy problems due to a liking for eating plastic!
The owner of one of Tally’s grandsons, knew of Ruth Lomax and her work with animals so I contacted her.
When Ruth assessed her she confirmed the vet’s findings and also found other problems, which were symptomatic or may have started the problem in the first place. The first treatment showed up a lot of areas of muscular imbalance. She also pointed out that she was uncomfortable in her belly despite the painkillers. After the first treatment she seemed more like her old self. She was doing well until she re-injured herself jumping onto an outside table but Ruth sorted it out. Ruth continued treating her every few weeks or so. Tally improved with each treatment to the extent that she was back to her very active self. Her tummy settled down and she seemed very happy.
I entered her in a Veteran Gundog class in April 2009 and she won! Everyone commented on how well she looked. I am grateful to Ruth for giving her quality of life back.
Gail Simmons, Keighley, W Yorks.
“JESSE” – 11 yr old Rottie X - Hind Leg Lameness.
Ruth began work with my pet dog Jess in 2003 . 12 months previously her left hind leg started clicking and she dragged it a little. She was put on anti inflammatory drops and diagnosed with Arthritis. She also suffered from quite severe bouts of sickness and diarrhoea for which she had been on anti inflammatory tablets. When Ruth saw Jess she could not put her hind leg down at all and was getting depressed. Jess is very wary of strangers, but Ruth put her at ease.
Ruth visited Jess on a weekly basis for the first month using CCMRT (Animal Bowen Technique ) and within two weeks I could see a big difference. Jess began to use her leg and be more willing to go for walks. On Ruth’s third visit Jess was ill with her stomach and bowel. This was a regular occurance and was on veterinary treatment for it. Ruth treated her twice that week with Healing and suggested Aloe Vera Gel and Flower Essences be put in her food . This had an immediate effect. Jess’ digestive and bowel problems vanished!
After every session Jess remained calm and within a couple of days had a spring in her step. She was able to walk almost normally, go up and down stairs and was eager to go out. This was wonderful to see as Jess is an old dog and suffers from Arthritis. Ruth has always carefully explained the work she carried out with Jess and has kept in regular telephone contact in between sessions to enquire regarding Jess’s progress.
Ruth has continued to see Jess over the last 4 years. Ruth has a very committed and professional attitude towards her work and I feel she has worked wonders with Jess. I have recommended Ruth to several of my friends.
After 5 months of trying for a baby Ruth suggested a Bowen session for me as a form of relaxation. In October 2004 after just one session I found out I was expecting !
Liz Shepherd, Bradford.
REX – Fore leg Lameness
My dog Rex started to limp in February 2009. This started as a slight limp which became worse when out on longer walks. At the time we had started to practise high jumps with a view to entering working trials competitions. He may have injured himself during training but there had been no obvious time of injury.
When I took Rex to the Vet she examined him and put him on anti-inflammatory. After a couple of weeks and no discernable improvement we went back to see the vet and tried some different anti-inflammatory. I discussed what would happen if these did not work and she said that the way forward was for Rex to be anaesthetised and have his joints x- rayed, and possibly have dye injected into it to find out what was wrong. The thought of my dog in this situation and with no promise of a cure made me feel awful.
I had had Bowen Therapy myself which had been successful in treating a frozen shoulder and it meant that I did not have to have more invasive treatment. After an extensive search on the internet I found Ruth Lomax’s number and gave her a call. By this time, Rex was very lame and we were on very short walks on the lead.
Ruth visited us at home to treat Rex and found compensation problems in his hind legs to add to the problems he had with his shoulder.
A few days after his first treatment Rex’s limp began to improve. He had a further 2 treatments and now seems fully fit and healthy. We are now back to long walks of 6 plus miles at the weekend and I have a very happy dog.
I can’t recommend Ruth highly enough.
Heather Weatherhead, Milnrow, Rochdale
Chan - 3 year old Shih Tzu - Allergies.
Chan was very nervous and aggressive with visitors, running at them and barking then runnng away. He had bad allergy symptoms - watery eyes, licked paws and inner thighs, hot ears and passing a lot of wind.
"I called Ruth after I had exhausted every avenue with the Vet. Chan is an allergic Dog with behaviour problems. The vet had treated Chan for atopic food allergy, and every other substance possible even though he had tested negative! I was also having to shampoo him with an anti bacterial shampoo every few days to keep the inflammation and itching down. He had no response to drugs and allergy shampoo after 3 months.
Although we have had Chan from a puppy and spoiled him, Ruth discovered that his behaviour problems were due to being fearful. He did not trust people easily.
Ruth treated him 4 times and introduced the use of FLP Aloe Vera Gel in his food plus Aloe Vera Shampoo.
After Ruth’s visits Chan is now more settled and his behaviour althoughstill wary of strangers is more tolerant and less nervous. His skin is normal and he does not need to be bathed weekly. Not passing wind and licking a lot less. Will keep on with AV gel. I feel that Ruth’s treatments have helped Chan enormously and now our household is much happier. "
Dawn Burke, Manchester.
HELWAAH - 12 year old lurcher - Epilepsy.
Helwaah developed epilepsy 5 years ago and had 2 major fits monthly and is being treated with Epiphen tablets daiy. After one Healing and one Bowen treatment we have witnessed only 1 minor fit over a three month period.
Nancy Muscat - Baron, Halifax.
MAFIA KING - Greyhound - Poor Healing of Burns.
Mafia, a young Greyhound, had been one of only three survivors of a horrific kennel fire started by an exploding heat lamp in a whelping pen. He had nasty burns on his face and legs which, although had formed a skin over, was very thin and split continually. The trainer brought him in for Ruth to look at. After 3 CCMRT treatments the wound healed up properly, the skin thickened and did not split.
Belle Vue Greyhound Track.
Toby - 4yr old Retriever cross - Stifle injury and lameness.
Toby had turned up as an abandoned dog tied to Heather's railings the year before. He was a delightful dog but had difficulty moving his right hind leg due to an over development of bone around the stifle joint. He would runand turn then hop and become lame. He was very aggressive to other dogs when out. Heather gradually found out he had shown this awkwardness in his gait since very young, probably due to an accident.
A veterinary investigation under anesthetic was unable to open the legs from the pelvis so a full diagnosis was not made. He was put on anti inflammatories and pain killers plus given injections every 2 months. Heather was told he would need an operation in the near future to stabilise the leg.
WHen Ruth assessed him he was very wary around his lower back and right hip. He turned his right hind leg out on walking and he was clearly not taking the full weight on it. The ossification around the stifle joint was pronounced but the joint still had some movement in it.
He was very fidgety during treatment. After only a few moves over his hind quarters he was fast asleep. He remained asleep till the next morning! After the second treatment Heather reported he was very much better and not going lame despite many antics in the park.
Ruth gave him a check up and maintainence treatment 2 months later and noticed he was very stable and balanced in his pelvis, right hip and right stifle. He could turn quickly, back and stand very effectively. He stood with both hind legs equally out behind him as he should.
COLT - 15 yr old labrador with a larynx failure and arthritis.
Colt was an old dog with lots of musculo skeletal problems in his leg joints both back and front. He had pelvic imbalances and very tight shoulders and neck. He had great difficulty getting up and down from a lying position. When i first met him he was recovering from a chest infection. His breathing was extremely laboured and he panted dramatically all the time which must have been exhausting. I was told he had a non functioning larynx which made things much worse. Due to his age, no further investigations had been carried out by the vets.
I was treating their other dog so I gave Colt an emergency treatment to help ease his breathing, which it did. After gaining permission to treat him properly i set about treating the whole of his body , particualrly the throat, larynx and thorax. We saw an immediate improvement.
After 3 treatments his breathing had calmed down considerably and he hardly panted except when excited. His pelvis looked a lot more balanced, his hind legs were more efficient and his back and shoulders showed renewed strength. Colt is having monthly maintenance treatments as he is an old dog and is his body is gradually failing.