Fusion Equine

I am an Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT) practitioner based in the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW. I specialise in treating thoroughbreds from foals and yearlings through to racehorses. I also treat performance and pleasure horses, mares and stallions. I am qualified with the ECL&R, QLD, registered with the International Institute of Complimentary Therapies and insured by OAMPS.

WHAT IS EMRT AND HOW DOES IT HELP THE HORSE?

Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT) is based on the Bowen Technique and was devised by Ali Goward in 1990 in line with the principles of Bowtech. Students study a 2 year course at the Equus College of Learning and Research, which is the only authorized college worldwide to register practitioners in EMRT.

EMRT is a gentle, non-invasive soft tissue manipulation that works on the fascia to put the body back into balance and therefore allow the horse to heal itself.

Fascia is the web of soft tissue that surrounds every bone, muscle and organ. It works as a shock absorber and as support for muscles as well as an area for muscle attachment. When performing EMRT on a horse the fascia is what is directly engaged and this then affects the muscles, as well as indirectly affecting the other systems and organs in the body.

EMRT can improve blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen available for energy conversion as well as removing waste products such as lactic acid to reduce the risk of muscle damage. It can also help the muscle to release a spasm by resetting the proprioceptors.

If the balance between systems or energies is out then that can create a cause and effect relationship within the body. When one system (such as the digestive system) is not functioning properly another will have to work harder to compensate. This can lead to a breakdown in all systems and if not rectified the performance of the horse will eventually be compromised. The role of EMRT in maintaining homeostasis cannot be overlooked. It helps to realign all the meridians and energy pathways, thereby setting the body up to heal itself. On a physical level it works with the fascia to help balance and maintain fluid levels throughout the body, which is at the heart of homeostasis.

The role of EMRT is to assist the body to heal itself by ensuring that the fascia is free and elastic, therefore allowing the flow of bodily fluids as well the unrestricted movement of tissue. When the body can provide the nutrients it needs as well as removing waste products before they affect performance the systems will be able to function harmoniously and the horse will be healthy and happy.