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Natalie Thatcher
I’ve been a remedial therapist for human clients since 1995 and qualified as a naturopath in 1997. Since that time, I’ve always treated my own animals using holistic methods such as massage, flower essences, homeopathy, diet modification, and my own adaptation of human Bowen therapy.
In 2023 I began studying Canine Bowen Therapy with The International School of Bowen Therapy (ISBT) and have been applying this effective modality to help the many rescue dogs I’ve lived with to live their best lives.
Bowen Therapy for dogs is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that works on the fascia and nervous system to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce anxiety. It is incredibly beneficial for aging dogs, active dogs, rescue animals working through trauma, or dogs recovering from surgery and injury
Why get Bowen therapy for your dog?
Bowen therapy for dogs is a gentle and non-invasive manual therapy that can help improve a dog's health and quality of life. It involves a series of light-touch moves over the dog's muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The goal is to promote healing, reduce pain, and rebalance the dog's body and energy. Dogs often sleep better, move better and have improved bodily functions after Bowen.
How long is a session?
Sessions are generally fairly short with, an initial appointment being 30 minutes, although it does depend on the individual. Some dogs will take longer to feel comfortable. I use positive methods, offering treats and rewards. Once dogs realise they feel better afterwards, and get some free treats, they are usually keen to come back. Please contact me in advance if you think your dog may feel anxious, so I can work with you to customise the best approach for your dog.
Canine Bowen is complementary care to regular vet visits
Canine Bowen therapy should not replace your regular vet visits; it is complementary to any treatment your dog may require. In fact, to keep all dogs safe, we prefer that dogs are vaccinated and have flea and tick preventative care in place before coming to the clinic. Some dogs can't be vaccinated and accommodations can usually be made for these dogs, however please let us know in advance.
Bowen therapy benefits
Injury recovery - can help recover from strains and sprains
Mobility - can improve mobility in cases of arthritis and ageing
Can help with hip dysplasia in puppies and adult dogs
Post surgery care for ACL surgeries
Proactive care - helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle subtleness in jumping, agility and show dogs. Show dogs can often stand and move better in the ring after Bowen.
Working dogs can benefit, especially as they begin to get a bit older or sustain an injury.
What conditions can benefit?
Just like human Bowen therapy, canine Bowen therapy can help with pain and stiffness, and greatly improve the quality and quantity of sleep. It can also help to reduce anxiety, recover from injuries or surgery, and even speed up recovery from a stressful event such as an attack, fall or any other bad experience. Generally speaking, the sooner we treat these traumatic events the better. I also use Bowen on my high-energy Jack Russell to keep her in the best condition for her agility training and competitions across multiple sports. If your dog is recovering from surgery, please contact me to discuss when the right time to provide Bowen therapy may be.