Animal Release Therapies

For:

Animals respond brilliantly to the bodywork modalities I use. They typically work more quickly than humans; animal work is always a challenge but it is an absolute pleasure to work with them, develop a working relationship and watch the instinctive self correction reflexes so obviously in action.

Release sessions have benefitted mainly horses dogs and cats so far, but also camels, goats, a bird, a tortoise and two pigs!

Owners have witnessed personality changes as well as physical - stroppy horses calmed, a horse floating issue solved - animals can use this work for all sorts of changes! Sometimes behavioural issues are actually a sign of stress due to physical pain, in other cases the subtler aspects of the work such as cranio-sacral techniques can make a difference with "behavioural" issues

Contact Care, Ortho-Bionomy and Zero Balancing are all effective because they are based on principles formed by observing what works in nature, so it is natural that animals should respond well to them. The trick is just getting the horses to lie on the massage table... - just kidding!

Sometimes issues are sorted in a session, but 3 sessions one or two weeks apart seems to work well for many cases.
Small animals can be brought to the clinic, and call outs can be arranged for the bigger paddock dwellers.

Issues Successfully worked with

Testimonials

Ruski the Huski

Surgery, followed shortly thereafter by a vicious dog attack whilst on the lead, left my normally clownish and active Siberian husky dull, sore and sad. Although some of his injuries had healed by the time we met Craig, Ruski's painful back left him with little drive from his hindquarters and his usual floating movement had become a victim of gravity – he seemed to drag himself along using his front end. After one session with Craig I had 90% of my dog back and his gait became smooth and effortless again. During the session, Craig found Ruski's sore areas without guidance from me (although I believe Ruski presented Craig with the areas that needed help!) and by gently placing his hands on Ruski he seemed to be helping Ruski release his pain and tension. The obvious relief and relaxation Ruski was getting during this session was a pleasure to see. The technique was made clearer to me when Craig also helped my permanently stiff and sore neck in a similar manner - I cannot remember my neck being as free from pain in many years. Craig also helped me open my mind and learn/let go from the dog attack which had left me feeling vulnerable. Ruski's second session with Craig was two weeks later and I believe my dog is very close to being back to his normal naughty self. Hmmm - Craig - do you have an "edit/undo" option? (just kidding!). Thank you for giving me back that which I was beginning to fear was lost for good.
Clare and Ruski Mckensey

The cat in the clothesline

Dear Craig

I'm writing to express my gratitude for the healing treatment you gave my 13 year-old cat Jethro. About two months earlier he had jumped off a retaining wall and got tangled up in a partly-folded clothesline. He was caught there throughout a cold and raining winter's night until my husband found him hanging in the wires the next morning.

Although the cuts and bruises healed quickly he stayed miserable within himself. Physically he walked stiffly & with one hind leg swinging out a little, couldn't curl up on one side, and was uncomfortable being touched along part of his spine. He seldom purred, lost weight and stopped taking care of his fur. [Craig's note: so sad!!]

Immediately following his session with you he walked more easily and freer and could be stroked along hi back again. Within the next few days he became my purring, dynamic boy again - back to chasing and wrestling with the other cats and has been happy since with no recurrence of pain.

Craig, you have a lovely way with cats and mine accepted and enjoyed your treatment so easily. I'm really grateful as Jethro means the world to me, and I hope this testimonial will encourage others to bring their cats to you for therapy.

Regards

Katherine, West Auckland

Horse and Rider

Hi Craig,
Thanks for seeing both Willy and I last Friday. I have felt so good since, and Willys tail and back end is so loose and different to ride!
Before the treatment my horse and I were sore and the healing from a recent accident was slow. The treatment session itself was very relaxing and certainly non invasive, both my horse and I enjoyed it very much. When it had finished I could tell things had been moved around for the better. My horse was very relaxed and loose to ride the next day. Immediately after I got up I felt much better. A week later and almost all of the swelling has gone and I can move more freely then before.

Thanks again, Petra (from Ardmore)

Elderly German Sheperd

Ellie is so much better since your visit. She is bright eyed and not so bushy but getting there slowly tailed!!!!!! She has gone from hooded eyes (pain) to really big bright eyes again and is playing catch with Rod - whereas before she had got to the stage where she let the ball fall on the floor and then picked it up!!! Thanks again. And think you may have some more patients next time at Corey's!!

Cheers, Kathy, Pukekohe

Kates's Riding Centre visit feedback

Hey you wouldn't believe Classic was not limping on his left front today for the first time since he's been here!!! UNREAL!!! Tegan was wrapped with Zuess he was smooth and flowing instead of jabby and stabby!! Jack left me behind the saddle a few times he was jumping so big. Just me thats a bit worse for wear!!!

Kate Hewlett, Keri Keri, link to Kate's Riding Center

More Horses

Craig has worked with our horses on several occasions over the past few months, and I have to say that I have never seen them respond so well to anything before. During each session the horses relax, and seem to really tune into Craig, and allow him in to their space without a problem. Each of the horses clearly ask for more, even our little baby horse, Levi, who actually shoved his whole back leg and end into Craig's arms - and the lovely thing is that Craig is so accepting of that too. He is never phased by the horses actually pushing themselves into him.

Duchess, our warmblood mare, is notoriously difficult to handle, to the point where it has been suggested we put her down. She had put her sacroiliac out and has an extremely explosive personality with a particular dislike of males. But she loves Craig, and actually calls out to him from the paddock when he arrives. She was so receptive to his work that I thought at one point during a session she was going to fall over. Since the treatment she has calmed down, seems to be moving better and appears to be a much happier horse.

Mate, our spotted thoroughbred, has a bilateral extensor process fracture with spurs on each pedal bone that impacts on the coffin joint every time he moves. He also has chronic arthritis in his hocks. As a result I have been contemplating putting this horse down. But since the treatment from Craig, coupled with some remedial shoeing, the horse is back in work. He has won his way out of pre training already this season, which is a real accomplishment for a horse with his injuries... With ongoing treatment from Craig is his coping and has a second chance - and a new show name "Die Another Day"... thanks Craig!

Maggie Tarver, Muriwai


An update on my horse 'Jack' after his session with you. Previously, in the trot he always felt as though 'rolling' his shoulders, instead of a straight movement. I assumed it was just the way he moved, as it was constistantly present. It wasn't until Jack became very lame during a competition, and failed to be sound with other treatments almost four weeks later, that a friend recomended Craig. After one session, Jack was 100% sound, and no longer rolled his shoulders! The physical change was obvious, a sound horse, that felt completly different to ride . Jack seemed much happier afterwards as well. I have never before seen a horse respond so positively to treatment like my horse did with Craig. I highly recommend Craig and his work.

Loren Armstrong, Pukekohe