Areas covered : Pembrokeshire
Telephone : 07739091935
Email : fayemrichards@yahoo.co.uk
About the therapist
My name is Faye Richards and I live in Pembrokeshire with my family which includes our 2 dogs , Fergus and Taggie. I ‘ve worked as a veterinary surgeon for nearly 30 years , initially doing mixed practice for 2 years , then equine practice for 8 years ,then when I had a family I went back to doing mainly small animals.
From early on in my career I always felt that we could do more for animals with chronic pain than just put them on medication. In 2008 I did a veterinary acupuncture course with ABVA [Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists] and have practiced this alongside conventional medicine . I have increasingly enjoyed seeing my acupuncture patients as the effects can be amazing and I also enjoy the chance to get to know the patients really well.
Acupuncture has been used to successfully treat animals as well as humans for at least 2000 years. It is still the treatment of choice for a quarter of the world’s population for many problems.
How acupuncture works:
Acupuncture is performed using fine sterile needles. These stimulate specific points on the body which affect certain biochemical processes in a beneficial way.
Acting primarily through the central nervous system, acupuncture affects the musculoskeletal system, hormonal and cardiovascular systems, regulating inflammation and releasing natural endorphins.
One of its main indications is for the relief of pain and muscular spasm, such as associated with joint and bone disease or muscle and ligament problems.
Acupuncture is not a cure -all but where indicated, it can produce excellent results and significantly improve quality of life.
Over the years I have worked with many veterinary physiotherapists and noticed how well some conditions responded to massage in particular so I started looking for canine massage courses so that I could offer the unique combination of acupuncture and massage.
Over the last 2 years I have completed in depth training with The Canine Massage Therapy Centre. The training covers myofascial release, Swedish, Deep Tissue and sports massage, together they form the basis of the clinically proven Lenton Method®.
This method can help with any muscular/soft tissue problem whether through orthopaedic or neurological conditions, pre or post surgery, sporting injuries, trauma or just slowing down as getting older. It is often a calming enjoyable experience for an anxious dog.
I feel now between acupuncture and massage I have a good set of skills which can be tailor made to suit your dog’s unique issues.
Cost
£45 per session [ Treatments can be offered at your home depending on where you are located, small mileage fee may apply if outside a 7 mile radius]
Client Comments
I was pleased and excited for Rhubarb to receive some massage therapy following her back injury [IVDD]. She seemed calm and relaxed during the treatment and remained so even after some tense areas were treated. With gentle understanding, calmness and compassion, Faye is professional and empathetic with Rhubarb . After the sessions Rhubarb was perky , giddy , excitable and very pleased with herself. She seems looser , more energetic and exhuberant. Generally she seems more relaxed and stronger in her gait and general movement.
Lucie Bedford- Stockwell, Rhubarb [ 8 year old, female neutered Bedlington cross Whippet]
I was very interested to try massage therapy for Rosie’s elbow dysplasia but was unsure how she would take to it as she is a rescue and is nervous around new people and new situations. She was treated at home and although she was initially nervous she soon relaxed and even seemed to enjoy the massage .
Faye handled her well, she took plenty of time to introduce herself to Rosie and went at her pace, it didn’t take long for her to relax.
After the sessions her forelimb stiffness especially after sleeping had improved and she is now up in the mornings and waiting to go out for her walk whereas before we had to get her out of her bed. We have noticed she can now scratch her ear with a hind leg , something she’s never done in the 4 years we’ve known her, she also seems more comfortable overall.
Jan Davies, Rosie [ 11 year old , female neutered , chocolate Labrador]
Sid has chronic neck pain from an old fracture and was having a pain killing injection every 3 weeks , I was hoping massage would allow him to have less drugs for pain. Sid was very well behaved for the massage he settled well. Faye was extremely kind and careful with Sid and also explained things as she carried out the massage.
After the massage Sid seemed very comfortable and so far has managed to go 3 months without the pain killing injection.
[update – Sid has now gone 6 months without his painkilling injection].
Jane Whiteford, Sid [ 11 year old , male , lurcher]
I was interested to try massage but wasn’t sure in what specific way he would benefit. He had recently been slightly stiff , but had also become very stressed and anxious. I wasn’t sure if Faye would be able to get near him to massage him. To begin with he was very lively and restless , but he settled and seemed to really enjoy the sessions apart from wanting to play a bit. Faye was excellent , very calming and not phased by his vocal , throaty talking, she calmed him wonderfully.
There was a dramatic change in him after massage, he was much calmer and happy and less vocal – hopefully permanently!
Annie Yeomans, Rory [ 12 year old , neutered male , spaniel cross]
I found the massage therapy very exciting and it has opened my eyes to a more natural approach to healing. I found the whole process easy to follow and my dog really enjoyed the whole process. Hera is a very anxious and reactive dog but Faye took her time to make her feel at home and safe. She became more relaxed and attuned as the sessions went on. I think this has benefitted my dog in terms of relaxing in general life and is something I will follow through with. I was even given massages I could do on a day to day to continue her progress. Thank you so much for this opportunity !
Nell Whiteford, Hera [ 2 year old female , French Bulldog cross Dachshund]