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Equine Treatment
Prior to treatment your Veterinary Surgeon will be contacted to obtain permission. This is essential to comply with the Veterinary Surgeons Act. There is not usually any difficulty with this. If required an information pack can be sent to your vet. It is illegal for anyone to treat your horse without veterinary permission.
Before commencing the treatment a history of the horse will be taken, especially with regards to any current issues (including performance). The horse will need to be led in hand in walk and trot to assess movement. Obviously if the horse is not capable then this step will be omitted.
Photos will be taken of the horse from all angles. Teresa has found that this is useful as a baseline to assess the horses improvement.
The treatment will comprise of gentle moves over the fascia, interspersed with breaks to allow the body to process information. Horses are much less inhibited than people and show responses such as licking, chewing and yawning. During treatment and for the remainder of the day of treatment it is important to refrain from grooming, patting or stroking the horse as this interferes with the clarity of the impulses to the brain.
Most horses find the treatment very relaxing and can become very sleepy. In the picture above, this mare is usually very 'stressy' and it can be seen that she is quietly accepting and enjoying the experience.
After treatment the horse will ideally be turned out but if this is not possible then walking in hand for 15 minutes will be required. This is to assist the lymphatic system in the removal of toxins and dead cells, as it does not have any motive force of its own. (If the horse is on box rest then this step will have to be omitted, in the interests of the horse's overall wellbeing.) The horse will need a couple of days off after treatment to allow the body to respond. When the body is healing it can take a lot of energy as anyone recovering from 'flu will understand. It is advisable to reduce the intensity of normal work when recommencing riding and to ride in a relaxed outline in a straight line (hacking for a few days is ideal). The horse may be feeling a little stiff following lactic acid release from the muscles so please listen to what your mount is telling you.
Bowen not only has an effect at the time of treatment but will carry on for some time after. It is therefore important that no other form of manipulation is carried out for two weeks after Bowen Therapy, e.g. accupunture, chiropractic, massage, etc.
An aftercare sheet will be given to you at the end of the initial treatment.
Many horse owners and riders find that their horses feel freer, more balanced and relaxed in their back and shoulder. You may notice more elevation in the stride and power in the paces. Many riders report that their horses are more forward going after treatment.
Please allow 1.5 hrs for initial treatment
For optimum results an initial course of 2 - 3 treatments at weekly intervals and then a top up maintenance treatment every 3 - 6 months. However if you wish to have an initial course and then see how the horse feels, that is fine. There will not be any 'hard sell' from Teresa to commit to more than you wish to.
If your yard has an outbreak of any contagious disease such as strangles or ringworm, Teresa will not be able to visit until the veterinary surgeon has confirmed that the premises are clear of disease.
Human Treatment
Treatments are carried out in the comfort of your own home.
A warm room will be required where you can relax without other family members present. Enough space to set up a 6ft couch with space to move around it. Most living rooms can accommodate this easily.
You will need two large bath towels for you comfort, these will stay clean as no oils or lotions are used.
All treatments are carried out with you fully clothed. It is advisable that light, loose, comfortable clothing is worn.
A history will be taken, with especial reference to any current issues. All records are kept strictly confidential and will not be stored on any electronic system.
The treatment consists of light moves over the fascia. To allow the body to process the incoming information, breaks will be given during treatment, where the therapist will leave the room for a couple of minutes. This is a feature of Bowen.
Please allow at least 1 hr for the initial treatment.
If you have any questions please contact Teresa for a no obligation discussion.
Copyright © Teresa Perrin 2010
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