Often
riders will have to deal with various behavioural symptoms, such as leaning on one rein, incorrect canter lead, stiffness
turning one way, bucking, refusing to jump or general reluctance to work. Where disease and lameness have been ruled out as
the cause, there is commonly muscle spasm and tightness leading to restricted movement and lack of performance or the symptoms
listed above. Massage can release this tightness, enabling your horse to move freely again and the symptoms will resolve.
Dogs have different behavioural symptoms but these are no less important.
Frequently, dogs will lie down on the same side every time, or sit to one side, they may consistently get up when
told to "sit stay" or "down stay", they may run with their hindend carried to one side or appear stiff
and uncomfortable either after exercise or after rest. Once again, where disease and lameness have been ruled out as the cause,
muscle spasm and soreness lead to restricted movement and these "behaviours" which do not resolve.
Learning Merishia massage:
Massage is a wonderful way to develop a strong bond between you and your animal, achieve relaxation and improved
performance, and reduce the risk of injury. It has been extremely rewarding to see the delight so many owners gain from
learning this skill and applying it to their own animals on a regular basis. Learning to massage enables you to assess where
there is tension and discomfort, and then treat those areas with simple but extremely effective techniques - you can see the
muscles release before your eyes and your animal's responses will leave you in no doubt as to how much better they feel.
This course combines theory and practical sessions to teach the critical
points of massage and stretching techniques that will improve an animal's suppleness and capabilities, hence increasing
the longevity of career and comfort in life generally. The course is part homestudy and part practical, with email and
telephone support as necessary. The course takes most students four to six months to complete, although some students
do take longer and there is no time limit as long as students maintain contact to confirm they are still studying.
Course content of 60 topic areas includes:
Benefits of massage; Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology; Symptoms of spasm; Causes of spasm; Prevention of spasm;
Gait analysis; Aftercare advice; Legal implications; Contraindications; Massage strokes; Stretching exercises; Treatment
procedure and much more
We use continual assessment
to monitor your progress on the course and successful completion is awarded with the Merishia Therapy Certificate. Membership
of the Association of Merishia Therapists and Insurance cover is also available. On completion of the practical element
of the course, you are eligible for the Advanced Massage Day courses we run on a twice annual basis to develop your skills
further.
Cost: £99 for dogs, £127 for horses or £189
for both.
To download a brochure and enrolement form, please click on the link at the bottom of this page, or you
can contact Jo for more information: 01273 299611 / 07989 505264, or via the enquiries page.
Please click here for further information on courses .
Please click here for more information on Alternative therapy for pets and horses.
