About My Work
I am a Certified Large and Small Animal Acupressure Therapist (LSAAT) and Certified Sports and Therapeutic Canine Massage Practitioner (CCMP) from the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage.
In conjunction with the massage and acupressure treatments I often use essential oils either topically or as aromatherapy. I am also a European licensed massage therapist and have worked with sports injuries prior to specializing in animal therapy.
Skillful Paws is an official sponsor of LOPE Texas working with the ex-racehorses on a weekly basis. It is a wonderful chance to help these amazing horses ease into retirement. We have seen great results from the acupressure sessions and the horses line up in the pasture when I drive up. Lynn Reardon's work with these horses and finding new homes for them is impressive and she has my deepest respect. I am very honored that I have gotten to be part of the LOPE sponsor team.
I have worked with both dogs and horses and with great results from the acupressure treatments. The wonderful thing about this modality is how quickly animals improve in comparison to humans. The following is a couple of my success stories:
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18 yr old Anglo-Trakehner gelding, previous show jumper, with severe anxiety due to previous owner beating him when he refused to jump. One blow was severe enough to make him lose vision on one eye. Born with structural imbalances in the shoulder area which caused him pain and gave him an uneven trot. After a couple of acupressure treatments, the new owner was able to put a saddle on him and actually ride him. He is much more confident and less stressed on a daily basis. Working on the shoulder area relieved the pain and made his trot more even.
18 yr old Anglo-Trakehner gelding, previous show jumper, with severe anxiety due to previous owner beating him when he refused to jump. One blow was severe enough to make him lose vision on one eye. Born with structural imbalances in the shoulder area which caused him pain and gave him an uneven trot. After a couple of acupressure treatments, the new owner was able to put a saddle on him and actually ride him. He is much more confident and less stressed on a daily basis. Working on the shoulder area relieved the pain and made his trot more even.-21 year old Paint mare, diabetic (insulin resistant), severe allergies and arthritis in hocks due to reigning training at age 2. Biggest issue was the chronic laminitis triggered by the diabetes and allergies. This kept her from putting weight on her front, instead trying to shift her weight to the hind legs. After the initial treatment we saw her put weight on her front legs and slowly start to move around. The acupressure treatments she received stabilized her blood sugar, reduced the pain from the laminitis, and relieved her allergies. Owner saw a drastic change in her over all well being within the first two treatments.
21 year old Paint mare, diabetic (insulin resistant), severe allergies and arthritis in hocks due to reigning training at age 2. Biggest issue was the chronic laminitis triggered by the diabetes and allergies. This kept her from putting weight on her front, instead trying to shift her weight to the hind legs. After the initial treatment we saw her put weight on her front legs and slowly start to move around. The acupressure treatments she received stabilized her blood sugar, reduced the pain from the laminitis, and relieved her allergies. Owner saw a drastic change in her over all well being within the first two treatments.- Christina Hardinger
Please remember that acupressure never a replacement for veterinary care
Being a part of something bigger
The International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork All members share a common goal of advancing the field of animal massage and bodywork. The IAAMB encourages dialog among the schools and schools of thought within the field of animal massage and bodywork.
Through educational conferences, publications and strong internet presence they enhance understanding and professional acceptance of the animal directed disciplines of massage, acupressure, Reiki, and aromatherapy among others.
With increased
understanding and
communication
these modalities
are slowly gaining
recognition in the
field of Western
medicin.
