Welcome! I encourage you to look around the website for my thoughts on ways we can help the animals we love.
I specialize in working with horses and dogs. You’ll find resources, education and ways to connect with me.
Reach out with specific questions and I’ll get back to you. I’d love to work with you!
An Integrative Approach
Laurie is certified in multiple modalities, including equine and canine massage therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, and Equine and Canine Touch.
While shes incorporate those modalities in my work, she is most focused on integrative bodywork which is highly influenced by the Feldenkrais Method.
Having experienced the significant improvement in her own body and movement from this method, she studies the application of various somatic therapies for both equines and canines.
Patterns of movement become hardwired into the nervous system, and unless new patterns are invoked, an habituated pattern will continue. While massage and other modalities are helpful, the body often returns to its chronic muscular tension and poor movement habits.
The nervous system dictates the contraction of the musculature, so to change an habituated pattern of chronic muscle tension, it is important to address the problem at its source. Through very gentle movements, similar to but different from massage, the nervous system can create new pathways for movement.
Each animal, having their own history and lifestyle, benefits from a tailored approach to their unique needs. We have all developed our own unique patterns of movement and muscular holding, so it is important to address the individual.
While regular bodywork is a great addition to your animal’s wellbeing, it is NOT a substitute for veterinary care. It is important to maintain regular veterinary checkups, and to always consult your veterinarian if your animal displays symptoms.
Testimonials
Give your horse the gift of integrative bodywork for increased comfort, improved relaxation and movement, and noticeable tension release. I highly recommend Laurie Capparella, who works regularly with my horse Tobi. Laurie’s knowledge, expertise, and love for horses is obvious in her work.
Laurie did Tobi’s first session and I didn’t tell her my concerns. The first thing she mentioned was the exact area I felt was problematic. You will love Laurie and so will your horse!
Jennifer Frey, DVM
Laurie’s comprehensive understanding of the horse’s body and mind allow her to really benefit the horse in a meaningful way that can work best for them, which is a treasure in a world full of people trying to fit a horse into a mold.
Amy Skinner, Amy Skinner Horsemanship
Puppy was a beautiful 100 lb male German Shepherd with severe congenital hip dysplasia. He was also famously protective and did not care for any humans other than his family touching him. For vet care it was necessary to muzzle and tranquilize him. I thought that body work would be very beneficial for him as he had been compensating for his weak hip with his fore end for years, but thought that it would be impossible for him to willingly agree to it and counterproductive to try and force it.
Laurie knew about these concerns but was willing to try and work on him anyway. She went very slowly and patiently with him, letting him set the pace at how long he was willing to have her hands on him. She had a wonderful rapport with him and after just a couple of sessions he was totally relaxed with her and really enjoyed the work. She has a very obvious healing and soothing touch.
I could always see a marked improvement in his carriage and motion after a session and I am convinced that having her work with him extended his life for many months as well as improved his quality of life and physical comfort. I was always fearful that his hips would simply collapse and he would be in horrific pain and have to be put down immediately. Thanks to the work Laurie did, that did not happen, she was able to keep him stabilized before he died.
Jaci Gholizadeh