EMRTTM for Rehabilitating Kaimanawas
October 2004
By Shirley Calder EMRT Practitioner and Equine Dentist.
EMRTTM (Equine Muscle Release Therapy) is a very gentle non-invasive treatment based on the Australian Bowen Technique for humans. It consists of a series of rolling moves on the edges of muscles at key points of the body to release muscle tension and bring the horse into balance. Horses become very relaxed during a treatment and trust between the horse and therapist builds quickly.
EMRTTM works on the fascia (a fine transparent membrane) which covers every organ, blood vessel, nerve, muscle and bone in the horses body. The fascia should be loose, moist and mobile allowing free movement of body parts and the free flow of body fluids. Injury and stress can result in the fascia becoming less elastic with a reduction in the flow of fluids.
Internally this may result in contracted muscles which in turn may cause skeletal misalignments, inhibited lymphatic drainage leading to a build up of toxins such as lactic acid, poor blood supply or trapped nerves. This is reflected on the outside by restricted movement and a lack of symmetry and is highlighted by muscle wastage or overbuild which, with EMRTTM treatments, may be successfully corrected.
EMRTTM aims to stimulate the nerve cells (proprioceptors) that carry messages by the central nervous system to the brain to reprogramme areas of trauma. As the nervous system affects the entire body, the treatment benefits the entire horse as a whole with an overall improvement in the horses wellbeing as well as bringing the horse into balance.
This type of therapy is ideal for Kaimanawas recently introduced into domestication as long as the horse has been handled enough to be treated safely. Injuries possibly will have been sustained during round-up, capture and transportation as well as the emotional and mental stress the horse will have gone through due to a complete environment change. EMRT works on the mental and emotional levels as well as the physical. Tension will be released through yawning, sighing, stretching, licking and chewing during a treatment. The eyes will soften and the horse will stop seeing the human as a predator and more as a friend.
A Kaimanawa may benefit from a treatment if it is a poor in condition and needs the digestive system stimulating, stiff in its movements, reacts to handling, covering, haltering or distrusts humans, as any of these may be as a result of pain somewhere in their body. A dental checkup is recommended once a year and a worming programme adhered to as the Kaimanawas have been found to carry large worm burdens at Waiouru.
Once broken-in, the Kaimanawa then becomes liable to injuries to the back from potentially illfitting saddles as well as the usual muscle stresses and strains from riding. It is imperative to have your saddle checked by a person with saddle fitting knowledge to make sure you are not causing your horse unnecessary pain. EMRT has been used successfully to alleviate muscle pain from tight saddles and can be used on a semi-regular basis to keep your horse in optimum condition.
A full EMRTTM treatment usually takes 45-60 minutes. It starts with the practitioner getting the case history from the owner followed by visual assessment and palpation tests. The whole horse is treated as problems are never isolated but affect the whole horse due to muscles working in pairs or groups and the compensatory effects of the surrounding muscles. Two to three treatments are usually recommended for most cases.
Qualified EMRT Practitioners have completed an intensive two year course which includes study in equine anatomy and physiology, human Bowen therapy, case studies and the practical components as well as passing exams before they are qualified to be able to treat horses professionally. They also have to undertake regular continuing education. Anyone wishing to find out more about EMRTTM can view our website www.emrt.eques.com.au. Qualified practitioners are listed in the classifieds at the back of the Horse and Pony Magazine.
