Since Bowen therapy is a holistic therapy and treats the body as a whole and not just the complaint or symptoms a diagnosis is not necessary but it is helpful, so if you have a diagnosis from your vet or a veterinary report please bring them along with you to your first appointment.
Absolutely! Bowen therapy is of great benefit to older dogs and it's never too late to start! Many older dogs can get sore after a grooming visit or an adventurous day at the beach so these body work techniques are non-invasive to help encourage healing and recovery in a very gentle way. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the effect these therapies have on senior dogs, improving their comfort levels, restoring function and improving their mobility and quality of life.
It's so rewarding to see the sparkle returning to their beautiful eyes once their body is eased back into balance and they start to feel better!
Bowen therapy, laser therapy and Emmett can all help to achieve a more balanced emotional state in your dog as endorphins and seratonin are released into the bloodstream which act as natural painkillers and can improve the mood. The result is a happier and more balanced dog that is coping better emotionally and physically with the ageing process.
It is generally recommended that new clients commit to 3 sessions, each 7-10 days apart to derive the most benefit from the treatment.
The initial 3 sessions really consolidate the changes and in the third session we can assess the progress made and decide if and when further treatments are required.
The practitioner's moves deliver signals to the nervous system at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves), and the body responds in its own time, within its individual capacity. Bowen Technique is appropriate for animals of all ages, in all degrees of health. It can provide relief for many types of injuries and other health problems, both acute and chronic, and it does so holistically, via the body's innate healing mechanisms.
The short answer is no, Bowen therapy is very different to the strokes of massage.
Bowen Therapy involves sequences of gentle cross fibre moves at specific points on the body via the fascia, over muscle insertions, trigger points and spinal reflex points. The moves which are made through the fascia, muscle and tendons, stimulate the brain and body to begin the healing process. These moves impact the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, organs, the nervous system, skin, vascular and lymphatic systems in the body.
It's a gentle yet powerful technique which sends neurological impulses through activating receptors to the brain resulting in responses of muscle release and pain reduction. Short pauses are inserted into the treatment at intervals to allow the body time to process and adjust to the stimulation of nerve pathways. The work produces results by penetrating deeply into the tissues making use of the body’s innate ability to heal itself. It usually makes dogs feel very relaxed and often quite sleepy, so its best to allow them to listen to their body and rest after a treatment and avoid vigorous excercise for a few days.
Regular therapy will benefit all dogs from puppies, companion dogs, show dogs, performance dogs, senior dogs and for bitches after whelping. Many of my clients see the benefits of being proactive and scheduling preventative care regularly especially as their dogs age. Regular visits will also ensure early detection and prompt attention to any problems before they become a much larger issue.
Just as we perform regular maintenance on our car to keep them running smoothly, our animals also benefit from regular 'tune ups' to keep their bodies healthy and in good shape!
These therapies can be included as part of a wellness plan for growing puppies during the vital stages of their development since they can knock themselves around quite a bit during rough play or just from coping with the demands of growing and an active puppy life!
Our goal is to improve a dog’s health and quality of life by increasing flexibility, improving comfort levels and managing pain naturally.
Our hectic lifestyle and busy environment can often cause stress for our dogs which initiates a release of cortisol into the bloodstream. High levels of this stress hormone can lead to behavioural problems such as chronic anxiety, aggression and depression.
Despite Bowen Therapy being considered a form of bodywork, it may also help with emotional conditions such as anxiety through shifting the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic (fight or flight response), which is turned on during stress and pain, to parasympathetic which is where it needs to be for the body to rest, relax and have the ability to repair and recover. Bowen therapy helps brings the nervous system back to its normal range and releases stress build up at the conscious and subconscious level.
Canine Bowen Therapy stimulates the release of hormones into the blood stream such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which counter balance the stress hormone cortisol; providing calmness, and can elevate mood and provide natural pain relief, helping to achieve a more balanced emotional state and a more relaxed and happier dog.
A laser wand will be moved over the affected area for a short time. There is no pain associated with the treatment and most dogs will relax during this time. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your dog to be comfortable and any anxiety he or she initially experiences will quickly disappear. Some dogs may actually fall asleep during their laser sessions.
Laser treatment for dogs is totally pain-free and very comforting. As the laser is administered, your dog may feel a gentle and soothing warmth, tingling,a warm glow or no sensation at all. Endorphins are released by the body which relieves pain and stress. For many canines, cold laser therapy is very relaxing. As areas of pain or inflammation become more comfortable, any anxiety and tension your dog may be experiencing tend to quickly disappear.
Red light therapy aka PBM Therapy is very safe for dogs and can be used on many different areas to help with pain, inflammation, injuries, arthritis and to help speed up healing of soft tissue and bone injuries. It's completely pain free, non-invasive and relaxing, emitting a soothing warmth that dogs enjoy.
The photons are transmitted to the brain via the nervous system, stimulating particular points along the meridians and triggers the brain to release certain hormones, relieve pain, increase immune responses and promote healing.
Allow 1 hour for an initial appointment - For follow up or subsequent visits allow 45 minutes.
When you arrive I ask that you fill out a new client form with information about your dog while I observe your dogs condition and how they move.
To keep your dog or cat comfortable during their session we go at their pace and are guided by their responses.
After the session you will be provided with an after-care sheet.
Most dogs will have a deep healing sleep after a Bowen session so allow them to rest for as long as they need, to allow their body to respond to the work. Let them take it easy for a day or two depending on their particular issue. A few dogs may feel more energised after a treatment but they are all different. Over the following few days your dog may experience different reactions as its body continues to make changes and integrate the effects of the treatment. The body can experience continuing therapeutic benefit over several days after treatment and other forms of manipulative therapy are discouraged for up to five days after a session, as they may interfere with the results of the work.
Laser Acupoint Therapy may prove to be beneficial for pets with many different medical conditions, including: * Degenerative joint disease (arthritis) * Musculoskeletal issues (hip dysplasia) * Respiratory problems (asthma) * Superficial nerve damage (hot spots) * Gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea) * Symptoms associated with endocrine disorders (Addison's disease, Cushing's disease) * Metabolic diseases (diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney failure) * Side effects of cancer treatment (nausea, lack of appetite) * Skin issues (dermatitis)
There are no needles involved and it is completely painless and non-invasive.
Any other questions? Please don't hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or concerns, we are more than happy to help.