What does a treatment include?
Every treatment is individually tailored to the animal in front of me and what is found during the history taking and palpation.
As a
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Musculoskeletal Specialist
my treatments include animal chiropractic and soft tissue physiotherapy as a combined approach, following recent CPD with the McTimoney Animal Association all treatments will now include various advanced additional or alternative adjustments. To find out more read about it in the about: additional services page.
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During a treatment session your animal will have, where needed, various methods of assessment performed including diagnostic stretching, a neurological assessment, palpation of muscles and spinal alignment as well as a static and dynamic assessment.
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By performing all of these assessments your animal receives a more detailed and tailored treatment to their individual needs and requirements allowing me to get the best results possible.
McTimoney Animal Chiropractic
McTimoney animal chiropractic is a form of chiropractic manipulation that is used to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction and is the type of chiropractic work performed during your animal's musculoskeletal treatment.
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History
It was founded in the 1950's originally for humans and then later adapted for the use on animals. At present the MSc in Animal Manipulation delivered by McTimoney College is the only animal chiropractic course validated to this level in the whole of Europe.
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How does it work?
The treatment focuses on optimising the alignment of the spine and pelvis in order to restore correct and proper function of the skeletal and nervous system paired with the surrounding soft tissues. The treatment is a whole body, holistic approach which is non invasive. It consists of a gentle technique that is applied using my hands meaning it is readily accepted by most animals.
Using my hands I apply a high velocity, low amplitude action where needed - this in simpler terms means a quick but gentle adjustment at the site of a misalignment.
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The treatments aim to resolve any disfunction of the animals musculoskeletal system by aiding in restoring health, movements, soundness and performance. This works by utilising the bodies innate healing mechanism to relieve muscle spasm, tension and tightness and help to restore joints to their full range of motion.
What can cause Misalignments?
Causes of misalignments can either be acute or chronic in nature.
A misalignment is when a vertebrae or joint becomes restricted within its range of motion. These are typically paired with muscle tension and spasm and can cause asymmetry, pain and inflammation through the body.
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Acute Causes - these are sudden instances that have happened. Slips, trips and falls come under this category. It's a one off event that has had an effect on the musculoskeletal system.
Chronic Causes - these are factors that are influencing the musculoskeletal system over a longer period of time. Often these go unnoticed as the change can be very gradual.
What is a misalignment?
Examples for horses
- Rotational fall over a jump
- Getting cast in the stable
- Slipping in the field
- Tripping up when ridden
Examples for dogs
- Slipping on a tiled floor
- Rough boisterous play
- Falling out of the car
- Misjudging a jump onto furniture
Examples for horses
- Ill fitting saddle
- Dental issues
- Underlying pathologies
- Discipline the horse is worked in
Examples for dogs
- Ill fitting harnesses
- Constant pulling on the lead
- Underlying pathologies
- Discipline the dog is worked in
What are symptoms of musculoskeletal issues?
Symptoms of musculoskeletal issues can vary from animal to animal but can include a change in behaviour or performance which can either be suddenly or over a period of time.
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Examples for dogs
- Reluctance to jump in the car
- Avoidance of collar or harness
- Reluctance to be groomed
- Struggling with stairs
- Unable to jump on furniture
- Struggling to sit or lie comfortably
- Unable to perform to their usual level
Examples for horses
- Not wanting to be tacked up
- Reluctance to jump
- Unable to strike off both canter leads
- Unable to bend in one or either direction
- Rearing / napping / bucking
- Reluctance to be groomed
- Unable to perform to their usual level
What happens after a treatment?
You may notice your animals showing signs of release and relaxation during or after the treatment, this includes yawning, licking and chewing, becoming calm or tired and wanting to sleep more.
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The treatment itself then needs to be looked at as a process rather than an event. Because of this a period of rest is normally required post treatment to allow this healing process to be as effective as possible. An individually tailored aftercare plan with exercises will be given post treatment to optimise your animals recovery and aim to continue improving their balance, flexibility and performance.
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A follow up timeline will be discussed as to what best suits both your animal and yourself. Post treatment you will then receive a check in with how your animal is doing, if you are struggling with any of the exercises provided or if you need any further information or help.
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Examples for dogs
- Ill fitting harnesses
- Constant pulling on the lead
- Underlying pathologies
- Discipline the dog is worked in