Tensegrity Balancing Therapy
I practise Tensegrity Balancing Therapy as taught by Tami Elkayam. I am qualified as a Level 2 therapist through her practical courses.
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Tensegrity therapy aims to address dysfunction caused by common neurodominant patterns and increase the compensation options available. We are looking to improve proprioception and slow body breakdown and to promote functional ambidextrous movement rather than focusing purely on symmetrical static posture.
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By using a combination of fascia release, fascia remodelling and somatic movement, I can begin to reconnect parts of the body whose awareness may have been lost due to cortical smudging and get the core back online. Fascia responds best to slow and non-forceful touch, in this method of bodywork we are guided both by what we see and feel but also in what the animal is willing to participate.
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Developing new neural pathways / rediscovering old ones requires repetition in order to be integrated by the brain and become reflexive, therefore, I give owners specific exercises to perform so that they may help to maintain the changes made during a treatment, referred to by Tami as 'homework'! The brain will want to revert back to what is familiar and easy particularly during times of stress. It takes time to convince the brain that there is a better way for the body to move and it needs reminding due to the natural asymmetries that influence both the brain and body.
What To Expect
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Assessment
I will watch and also record video of your animal in motion, this is helpful for tracking progress and so that I can show you what I see. I may also take static photos particularly of horses for the same reason. I will discuss your animal's history, diet, environment, training and behaviour (saddle, dentist, farrier for horses. I may wish to check your saddle myself). Its also super helpful to send me videos of your horse in work, or your dog when out and about or competing, so I can get a full picture of what's going on.
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Treatment
Treatment is generally a slow and quiet process, when working with fascia it will often look like I am just putting my hands on and am not doing anything, but there will be lots going on below the surface. I like to be mindful of the communication an animal is giving me during a treatment, as I will try to change my approach if they are showing signs of stress such as fidgeting, biting, yawning. I am happy to explain what I'm doing but often I get so focused on the treatment that I will forget to, so please feel free to ask if you would like to know.
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Aftercare
I recommend that dogs are not exercised after treatment and are kept quiet for the rest of the day, only short toilet walks where needed. I may also advise further rest for following days or reduced activities/shorter walks than normal. Avoiding things such as jumping in and out the car will also be beneficial.
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Horses will need the day off after treatment and ideally at least one day off the next day, a short slow hack may be appropriate for some horses. I will teach you the homework exercises to do with your horse.