Biography
Master of Science - Kinesiology. Indiana University\r\nBachelor of Science -Exercise and Sport Science. University of Florida\r\nMassage Therapist/Craniosacral Therapist/Equine Bodyworker/Certified Lymphedema Therapist/Certified Athletic Trainer 27 years of injury care as an Athletic Trainer and Massage Therapist: Olympic, Paralympic, College, High School, Sportsmedicine Rehabilitation Craniosacral Therapist treating various issues including pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, PTSD, brain injury, Alzheimers, Tinnitus. Specific program treating Veterans as part of a recovery retreat combining horses-counseling-craniosacral therapy. The program is being adapted to treat breast cancer recovery\r\nEquine Bodywork Therapist treating horse’s tissue and joint tension to assist in injury recovery and improved performance \r\nPublication “A case study utilizing myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapy to treat bilateral “Stringhalt†in a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse.†Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. (2016)
Abstract
A Case Study utilizing Myofascial Release, Acupressure and Trigger Point therapy to treat bilateral “Stringhalt†in a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse.\r\n\r\nINTRODUCTION\r\n“Stringhalt†is a horse condition that causes one or both hind legs to spasm when walking, trotting or backing. The condition is thought to be related to a neurological cause from either plant toxicity or peripheral nerve injury. The prognosis is poor and the horse’s performance and quality of life can be affected. Treatment has included surgically cutting the digital extensors with varied results.\r\nThe objective of the study is to utilize soft tissue release via acupressure, trigger point and myofascial release to decrease symptoms of stringhalt.\r\n\r\nCASE PRESENTATION\r\nThe case study is a 12 year old Akhal-Teke horse of excellent pedigree. In 2011, she was caught in barbed wire overnight and sustained lacerations to the bone. Shortly after the injury the horse was placed in a stall for several months and was unable to walk or run, developing stringhalt. Currently, her condition is aggravated by stress and alleviated by certain types of massage (myofascial, acupressure, trigger point release). The incidence of stringhalt occurs every 3-5 minutes, with more frequent and severe symptoms on the right hindlimb. The horse is unable to run or back up. \r\n\r\nMETHODS\r\n6 treatments biweekly were performed at 1 to 1 ½ hour sessions. The treatments consisted of myofascial release at the cervical, sacrum and iliums, acupressure of the bladder meridian (including c-spine, t-spine, L-spine, and hamstring), and trigger point release of the iliacus. The stringhalt motion was observed and documented on each of the 6 treatment days for 30 minutes.\r\n\r\nRESULTS\r\nAfter 6 treatments, the horse was seen running and standing in a position that promotes hip extension. She has not been able to do either since the injury. The frequency and severity of the spasms have decreased from every 3-5 minutes to every 10-20 minutes. The horse’s owners report that her disposition, stress and quality of life are much improved.\r\n\r\nDISCUSSION\r\nThe results suggest that myofascial release, acupressure and trigger point therapy may be utilized to provide a positive treatment outcome in the case of stringhalt. However, please note that the scope of practice varies by state and special training is needed to work with the equine population.\r\n
Biography
Mary Bemker has completed her PhD in Community Mental Health Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her PsyS in Counseling Psychology from Spalding University. She is an associate professor in nursing at Touro University Nevada where she teaches in the DNP program. She has presented at a variety of national and international conferences and has co-edited her second nursing textbook. She sits on three editorial boards for international journals.
Abstract
Holistic perspective in psychological treatment offers clients diverse methodologies, minimizes the need for traditional medications (in many instances) and offers clients a means to feel in control of their psychological health and well-being. Methods such a Reiki, EMDR, meditation, yoga, herbal and nutritional support are just a few of the ways that holistic health can be included into a practitioner’s interventions for psychological support. These and other means will be presented along with a meta- analysis of the current literature related to such.