Clare Holmes

Galen Natural Progression and Exercise Physiology Sessions

Clare Holmes — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:35:55 +0000

After Myotherapy before Exercise Physiology

: After GNP and Integrated Exercise Physiology

I completed the Galen Exercise Physiology course this Summer and now working with a variety of dogs aiming to improve mobility and biomechanical function.

How can these low impact and targeted exercises help ?

Show Dogs- Improve core stability, top-line and movement, assists in achieving a strong ’square’ stand.

The Working/ Competitive Dog- Enhancing core stability, proprioception and strength which ulitmately can lead to improved speed and concentration. The aim being to ensure optimum performance depending on your discipline.

Remedial - Post injury or operation: Gentle targeted exercises coupled with Myotherapy can be continued at home by the handler to aid recovery, tone and symmetry.

Family Dog- Maintaining suppleness and tone for general wellbeing, also making a positive change to confidence in the timid dog.

If you are interested in an individual one to one appointment, or organise a group session for your club please contact me for more information.

Equine Biomechanics course with Russell Guire

Clare Holmes — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:54:31 +0000

3 day Equine Biomechanics course with Russell Guire from Centaur Biomechanics.

Russell has a BSc in Equine and Human Sports science and has worked with the BEF since 2006 working with riders on both the World Class Programme and Team GB. Russell provides video and biomechanical analysis to all disciplines, dressage, show jumping, eventing and para equestrian dressage. Russell has also worked with the Federation Equestrian International (FEI), British Vaulting and British Horse Trials Driving.

Recently Russell has been involved researching the effect of the Fairfax performance girth on movement and performance.

During the 3 days time was spent learning about conformation, mechanics of movement of the sound and lame horse. The influence of rider on the horse.

We also spent the day with Ben Benson, Farrier to Equestrian team GB. Looking at the importance of shoeing the horse for conformation and performance and discussing management programmes for real horses.

More about Centaur Biomechanics can be found on the site www.centaurbiomechanics.co.uk

Veterinary Consent Form

Clare Holmes — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:58:45 +0000

This form must be filled in by your Vet before a Myotherapy Session can take place.Clare Vet Permission

Galen Natural Progression.

Clare Holmes — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:02:32 +0000

I am just completing my training with Galen in canine exercise physiology. This is a great course to assist in maintaining mobility and improving biomechnical movement (or the mechanics of movement).

In the pictures I am practising with my own dogs Finn and Magpie, the results have been noticable: not only in the physical toning and conditioning of their muscles but in their general confidence and proprioception.

Galen Pre and Post Event Massage Workshop.

Clare Holmes — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:49:18 +0000

Naomi and Luka demonstrate dynamic warm up

Cathie and Flyte

I am now running the successful Galen workshop in pre and post event Massage. This recent workshop was run for a dedicated group of handlers who compete in Obedience and Agility. The aim of the day was how to achieve an effective warm up by massage and dynamic exercise pre the event, and then how to ‘cool down’ post event.

The day involved theory: discussing injury prevention, discipline related stresses, the physiological effects of the pre and post event massage and the importance of the dynamic warm up. We then put it all into practice carrying out the targeted massage techniques and exercises! As the photos show both handlers and dogs enjoyed the day.

If you would be interested in a workshop for your group or club, please get in touch clare@caninetherapy.co.uk

Low Level Laser Therapy

Clare Holmes — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:41:37 +0000

L.L.L therapy on event horse with haematoma on carpal joint, sustained whilst competing.

I have completed training in low level laser therapy and can offer this in conjunction with the myotherapy and sports massage sessions for both dogs and horses.

The indications for use include wound healing , pain relief, sprains and strains (including tendon injuries), haematomas and osteoarthritis.

Not only does the laser activate the mitochondria within the cells to improve the healing response it also causes the body to release the body’s own feel good chemicals -seratonin and endorphins.

As with any of the therapies we gain Vets permission before using Laser, and take a full history of the client to ensure there are no contraindications for use.

Equine Myofascial Release

Clare Holmes — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:30:48 +0000

: Equine Myofascial Release

I trained with Ruth Mitchell-Golladay in Equine Myofascial Release. This brilliant theraputic technique works on the connective tissue within the body.

What is Fascia? Principally fascia is connective tissue which is spread throughout the body. It covers muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs. The fascial system provides stability, support and cushioning within the body but also is very much involved in the locomotory system, many skeletal muscles have an origin or insertion onto the thick, tendinous sheets of fascia within the body.

Trauma on the body, including impacts, falls and life itself can stimulate the body to produce extra connective tissue fibres as a way of compensating during the healing process (Think about that gelding / castration scar?!). The fascia then becomes less pliable and restricted and this exerts tensions within the body, which can then affect mobility and locomotory function.

Each client is treated as an individual :there are no specific instructions to follow or mechanical routines. After Veterinary consent a full patient evaluation, taking into account lifestyle, history, conformation and posture is completed and then the session commences. Using the hands the principle of the therapy is to follow techniques to allow collagen fibres to re-align in an appropriate manner, aiming to re pattern the fascia to allow maximum strength and function. The release of the fascia itself is often very gentle, the important factor is time! Some of the techniques involve long slow traction methods where pressure is either applied or released depending on the tissue encountered.

In the picture I am using the cross hands technique (in that important ‘saddle area’)- the hands are traversed for maximum effect with minimium effort. The client is an ex-racehorse who is a sensitive soul! (as many Thoroughbreds are!!) but he loves MFR (myofascial release)- relaxed and zoned into what I am doing he achieves the maximum benefit from the session.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information regarding myofascial release.

Dez and Star’s Story.

Clare Holmes — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:03:19 +0000

Dez

: Star at KC Festival 2011

Initially, it was Dez who had the issues: Muscle wastage in the hip flexor and quadricep group of muscles in his right Pelvic limb, left that leg and hock joint weak. He didn’t use the limb properly and when going down steps he would keep the leg straight and avoid bending the hock joint. This resulted in increased over use of the opposite pelvic limb and compensatory tension in his shoulders and neck.

The Galen Myotherapy eased the congestion in his neck and shoulders and increased the circulation to the atrophied muscles in the right hind. This coupled with Hydrotherapy and remedial exercise (which the handler followed to the letter) completely transformed Dez.

Now this ‘Swedish Vallhund’ is an outgoing chap with symmetrical muscle tone. I am greeted each visit with him standing on his hind legs to say hello. This is something he could not have achieved 6 months ago.

Star is another Vallhund in the family; he regularly competes at KC agility. Mid season his performance slipped, Star was measuring before jumps and knocking poles which was unusual for him. The handler knew there was a problem.

Having seen the results the myotherapy gave Dez; the handler requested a session for Star. Star had strained a flexor muscle in his left pelvic limb causing him to lack the impulsion and extension over jumps required when competing. A couple of sessions later Star was back to form with a third in his class at the KC Festival, regular wins at KC competitions and an upgrade to Grade 4. Not bad for a dog who had only moved to Grade 3 six months previously.

This story demonstrates that whether you have a companion or an athletic working dog; muscular issues can occur which can be addressed by Galen Myotherapy.

Personal showing success this Summer!

Clare Holmes — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:16:47 +0000

This Summer our own home bred English goat ‘Passford Violet’ was judged ‘Best Female’ and ‘Reserve Champion’ at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury show. One of the Judge’s comments mentioned how nicely Violet moved which is due to the Myotherapy sessions she has!

Our 14 month Lurcher ‘Magpie’ had her first show outing this summer, receiving a first and second in her classes at the New Forest Lurcher and Terrier show.

: Magpie

: Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show 2011

Introduction to Canine Massage Workshop

Clare Holmes — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:28:05 +0000

WE held the very popular ‘Introduction to Canine Massage Workshop’ in Sway, Hampshire. The dogs who attended included Veteran and Rescue dogs, We also had canines regularly competing in the Show ring.

Both handlers and dogs enjoyed the practical sessions within the day, with everyone achieving a greater understanding of the benefits of Massage therapy.

If you or your Club are interested in attending a course please get in contact for more details