"Getting to the heart of the matter."
EQUINE MUSCLE RELEASE THERAPY
Bowen for Horses
EMRT
HORSES, DONKEYS, EQUIDS, LARGE ANIMALS,
Stiffness / Lameness / Resistances / Strains / Sprains / Muscular / Skeletal / Neurological / Filled legs / Recurrent Colic / Azoturia / Wobblers/ Arthritis / Degenerative Growth Disorders / Post operative care / Rehabilitation / Box Rest / Stress / Behavioural.
What is EMRT?
EMRT is a very gentle therapy, yet extremely dynamic in its effect and allows the animal to rebalance musculo skeletally, re-align functionally, reset, heal itself and bring its body back into Balance, Symmetry and 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 horse if it does not respond sufficiently well or it does not need further treatments.
EMRT is defined as ‘a non-diagnostic, non-invasive,
non-manipulative hands-on system of bodywork addressing the whole horse 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.
EMRT 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 horse's responses and gives appropriate short breaks inbetween sets of moves to allow the horse time to fully integrate the therapy.
EMRT was developed by Alison Goward, the world’s leader in Equine and Animal Bowen. EMRT 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. EMRT is however, adapted specifically for quadrupeds and especially Horses.
EMRT is the ONLY accredited Bowen Therapy for horses world wide by the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia (BOWTECH) and the Bowen Association (UK).
EMRT - 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 = horse shows he is unhappy in his behaviour = may lead to beginning of stable vices or even illness eg ulcers, colic etc.
And HOW does
Equine Muscle Release Therapy
address 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 to recreate original pathways and revitalise proprioreception = brain recognises the body is out of balance, symmetry and homeostasis = body is able to correct itself once again.
Muscles relax as they come back into balance = 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 horse has a problem it really does pay to have your horse assessed and treated periodically to avoid bigger problems. And falls in the field, getting caste, apparently small changes in behaviour or resistances to handling, loading and riding should be seen as an indication that your horse's balance and symmetry may be compromised. Don't wait for the bigger problem.
So......
HOW MAY Equine Muscle Release Therapy HELP?
Remember..............Equine Muscle Release Therapy does not treat conditions or diseases. It treats the body as a WHOLE no matter what the diagnosis or symptoms.
- Pain
- Behaviour problems eg. rearing, bucking, bolting, weaving, biting, kicking,
- Cold or sore backs
- Congenital growth disorders.
- Unexplained resistance when handling or riding
- Intermittent or unresolved lameness
- Disunited paces
- Refusing jumps
- Reluctance to go forwards or change pace.
- Resistance to the aids
- Reluctance in lateral work
- Uneven development or wasteage of muscles
- Uneven shoe wear, dragging of hind feet
- Stiffness on one rein
- Filled legs when standing in
- Respiratory conditions, COPD
- Unresolved digestive problems and repeated colic
- Sprains and Strains
- Poorly healing wounds
- Stress related problems
- Loading difficulties
The horse 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 horse can fully heal e.g. saddle and tack comfort, foot balance, dental balance, physiological symptoms treated by a vet, rider balance and the horse's emotional balance. If necessary, Ruth will work together with your vet or other professionals to get your horse happy and healthy as quickly as possible.
STORIES and CASES
DANCER – TB Dressage Horse
Dancer was a very nervy, highly strung thoroughbred who had become very anxious in his attitude as well as terrified to go near traffic after an accident with a car. He had intermittent lameness which had not been resolved even when investigated by Liverpool University Equine Hospital. He also had a swelling under his tummy which had been there some time. He was clearly in a lot of discomfort as he literally sat on his haynet hanging on the wall in order to rest his hind end. He had also developed a mistrust of vets and therapists (had kicked Physio across the stable on a previous occasion)!.
The first time i treated Dancer he was very wary indeed but i worked at his pace and gradually he began to trust me, allowing me to complete a full body balance even around his sore back end. The second time i saw him he began to relax very quickly and had already shown positive responses in his body from the last time. After 4 treatments in total for pelvic and hind quarter imbalances he was 95 % sound and competable again at BHS level.
“You make him so relaxed, as tho he has had a sedative! He is much much better behind, straighter and that swelling under tummy has actualy gone down!”
SOLO – Cob - Shoulder Lameness.
Solo had been treated in 2005 with EMRT for shoulder lameness. A year and a half later he was lame on his right fore again. His feet were being Barefoot trimmed but they seemed slow to change. Solo had tight shoulders and upper neck but he also had a tight lower back which was presumed to be a result from his hind end taking the weight away from the front end.
After the second treatment he was responding very well. However, on the third visit Solo made it clear to me that it was actually his left hind which was the problem and this was then treated. His owner had showed me some early photos of Solo and i noticed signs of an imbalance in the pelvis which had never been treated.
After another treatment he was completely sound and moving far more forwards and eagerly than he had for a long time. His feet still took their time but showed improvements after his body was re balanced.
In 2008 he became very lame on 3 legs! Again it boiled down to his left hind.
4 treatments later he was completely sound again.
“ Solo is fabulous! – a complete powerhouse. His movement is fantastic and he’s forward going and energetic. Everyone comments on how well he looks!”
JONAH – Freisian gelding - Arthritis in hock.
Jonah was a lovely big black Friesian gelding who was "not right in trot". He had been diagnosed with arthritis in his left hock and was on bute but was still not happy to be ridden.
When i met Jonah it was immediately clear that he was quite anxious, strong and bargy. The owner was a little frightened of him and rarely rode him herself. When i assessed him he was unlevel in trot and showed compensation problems in his pelvis and shoulders from his arthritic hock.To complicate things, the foot of his right fore had a growth deformity It was throwing his weight onto the outside of his foot, unbalancing him further.
During the first treatment, Jonah was extremely fidgety and anxious and panicked if his owner left his sight. This was not helped by the owner being very anxious herself. On our third meeting i asked the owner to allow me to treat the horse tied up in the stable with her on the other side of the door! She was amazed that after a while, he stopped fidgeting and stood very quietly for the rest of the treatment. I then worked with her to allow her to be calmer around the horse We used Flower Essences to help change both Jonah and his owner. After 5 treatments over three months plus totally altering the foot balance with Barefoot trimming, Jonah was sound, moving in a much more balanced way, relaxed, and had changed shape into an impressive horse! He still required joint support with herbs etc but he was coping beautifuly.
“I am absolutely over the moon. He is completely different”.
FEE – 9yr old Arab mare - Skeletal Asymmetry
"Encouraged by my dog Mabel’s initial response to Ruth’s treatments I let Ruth look at Fee, a 9-y-o Anglo Arab mare that I had recently acquired and had been turned out in a field for 3 years. I had started to re break her. The second time I tightened the breaking roller she froze and nearly dropped to the floor at the front end. A visit and treatment from an equine physiotherapist seemed to resolve this sensitivity but on subsequent long reigning it became apparent that her back end was very asymmetrical and she had a profound right gluteal drop when walking. She also found it very difficult to bend on circles and to walk in a straight line. Ruth and I both felt that the primary problem was in her upper neck.
The mare was extremely mentally resistant to EMRT although she showed a range of physical responses. Normally after a few “moves” the animal relaxes and goes into a state of deep relaxation bordering on a “trance”. Ruth will not continue until the animal comes out of this state and shows it is ready for further treatment. Fee had 4 treatments over 7 weeks and was much improved (about 75%) but did not appear to be progressing any further.
I discussed with Ruth the possible benefits of Osteopathy and we decided in this case it was the next step. The Osteopath felt she had a longstanding problem with her C1/C2 joint. He manipulated her twice under sedation. During the second treatment I heard an audible crack in the upper part of her neck. I left her for just over a week before long- reigning her and it was like working a different horse.
The osteopath commented that Ruth had done much of the work for him in treating the problems, which had arisen secondary to the primary injury, e.g., the muscle spasm, and this had enabled Fee to respond so dramatically to his treatment. Normally he would have expected it to require several treatments at approximately one-month intervals".
Diana Hodson B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.
Dana – 22 yr old arab mare - Indirect treatment of TMJ
"During the 4th treatment of my mare Fee, who seemed completely unaffected by the treatment, I noticed that another horse Dana, a 22-y-o Arab mare in the neighbouring stable ( who was at least 12 feet away from Fee and Ruth), was responding to every move Ruth made. She was stretching and bowing with first one , then the other, then both front legs as Ruth was doing a move over Fee’s withers. Then opening and “yawing” her mouth as Ruth was working on Fee’s TMJ’s. Finally going into a trance.
Dana had a previous history of dental problems caused by years of neglect prior to her coming to me. This had caused her great difficulty eating and culminating in the loss of an upper left molar after which eating improved considerably.
Dana actually appeared very ill for 4-5 days afterwards. She was depressed, lethargic and struggling to eat. Ruth thought she may be clearing toxins out of her system.
After this she never looked back! She is eating more haylage than I have ever known her to, looks very content and is riding out more happily.
I did get Ruth to check her the week after her “indirect” treatment as I was worried about her extreme reaction after it, but Ruth could find nothing at all wrong with her.
Interestingly, her distal limbs used to swell up if she was stabled at overnight. Since Ruth’s “treatment” they have never done so.
Diana Hodson B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.