BE AWARE
It is the responsibility of the potential Patient to educate themselves fully on the risks and rewards of any procedure they will undertake. Below is a limited list of the potential risks associated with the services we provide. In no way does it fully outline ALL the risks associated with these modalities, and we urge all potential Patients to be aware of all the potential risks prior to their treatment.

OUR GOAL
Centaur BodyWorks offers human and equine sports massage, stretching, and acupuncture, "non-force" chiropractic therapy, flexibility exercises, saddle fitting, saddle consultations/evaluations, re-flocking, rentals, and minor repairs. We ascribe to "no pain" therapy for our clients. This means we strive so neither you nor your horse will feel pain during your sessions with us.

MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy and its modalities are non-invasive soft tissue manipulations only. Centaur BodyWorks utilizes several modalities to obtain maximum benefits and performance for our clients including Swedish, Neuromuscular (also Trigger Point Therapy), Myofascial Release, Acupressure (also AcuPoint), and Sports therapies. Massage therapy involves minimal risk to soft tissues and nerves. The most common side effect from deep massage is localized bruising, swelling, or tenderness, which often resolves itself within a few days. The risks of massage therapy usually can be averted by good technique and communication with the patient. For instance, if the massage is painful, it is the responsibility of the Patient to indicate he or she is experiencing unacceptable levels of pain. Likewise, it is the responsibility of the Massage Therapist to understand the Patient's signals of discomfort. Therefore, the Massage Therapist and the Patient must be in good communication in order to give and receive healing treatment.

CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY
Although we offer chiropractic therapy for our equine clients, it is NOT the traditional "crack your bones" therapy normally associated with the name. Our "non-force" chiropractic therapy utilizes massage in order to restore balance to the muscles; tension in muscles is often the reason why bones become displaced or dislocated. Once the muscles are sufficiently relaxed, the bone will move back into place with little (1-2 pounds of pressure) or no pressure. Our relaxation and rebalancing method is often so successful, the client usually does not need repeat therapy. However, if more force is required, we will refer out to a competent veterinarian skilled in chiropractics. In the words of Lauren DeRock, DVM, "Do not let someone jerk and crack your horses. It is not only ineffective, and has to be repeated many times, but in many cases, it is also very dangerous!"

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture and its modalities (tui na, gua sha, cupping, bloodletting, etc.) is a minimally invasive procedure that should only be administered by a trained professional, with a MINIMUM of a MASTERS degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. THERE ARE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE, and the Patient should be aware of these risks, however minimal, before their session. Patients with Centaur BodyWorks, and it's affiliate Westchase Acupuncture, are required to sign medical forms and releases consistent with any medical practice. Patients are protected by HIPAA, and Centaur BodyWorks' physicians are Board Certified by the State to perform acupuncture and administer Traditional Chinese Medicine and its modalities.

Acupuncture is quite safe. Acupuncture practitioners are trained in strict standards set by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists for clean needle technique and must abide by standards set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding proper hygiene and sterilization of equipment, disposal of hazardous materials, as well as precautions regarding blood borne pathogens and clean needle technique (CNT). With disposable needles, there is no risk of AIDS or hepatitis from the needles. Acupuncture Physicians (AP) are required by law to obtain hepatitis vaccinations.

The risk of side effects could include some pain at the insertion site, minor bruising, moxa burn or scarring, fainting, infection, needle sickness, or broken needle. Occasionally a treatment can produce a temporary flare-up of symptoms, but these are almost always limited to no more than a few days. Awareness of the patient's condition can avert most harms. The risks of moxa use can be averted by good technique and communication with the patient. Fainting can be most easily avoided if the patient takes care not to come to the treatment exhausted or over-hungry. To avoid needle breakage, patients must limit their movement while on the table. By following the instructions of the Acupuncture Physician before and after treatment. The Acupuncture Physician must be advised IMMEDIATELY if the patient has a pacemaker or bleeding disorder, might be pregnant or has a contagious disease.

Due to Florida laws and limits, as of December 2007 and as interpreted by certain law groups, invasive EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE (using filiform acupuncture needles or hypodermic needles) may only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or Board Certified Acupuncture Physician. However, Centaur BodyWorks chooses to employ the use of the Respond Laser 2400XL for all of its equine acupuncture. The risks associated with this laser are very minimal, unless it is directed at the eyes for a length of time or it is used as a bludgeoning instrument (not likely). The Respond Laser 2400XL is considered a Class IIIb laser, which is classified by the FDA as a non-significant risk device. By using the Respond Laser 2400XL, our equine acupuncture is considered non-invasive, thereby further decreasing any risks associated with treatment. Please visit www.respondsystems.com for more information about the Respond lasers.

EQUINE DISCLAIMER
Centaur BodyWorks Equine Therapy is not a licensed veterinary service and cannot be held responsible for the primary care of clients' horses. Any diagnosis or evaluation should not be considered a western medical diagnosis, and these services should not take the place of regular check-ups by a licensed veterinarian, vaccinations or de-worming. Centaur BodyWorks believes annual check-ups and routine vaccinations, dental work and de-worming by a licensed veterinarian are a necessary part of your horse's care and cannot be substituted with Traditional Chinese Medicine. By contracting our services, the owner/ rider/ client agrees to continue regular veterinary care, to consult with a veterinarian when recommended by our therapists, and understands the limitations and restrictions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the United States. Under no circumstance will Centaur BodyWorks knowingly override the diagnosis or care of a licensed veterinarian. Unless noted, all equine acupuncture is performed solely with non-invasive Laser therapy.