MCTIMONEY THERAPY
Animals, just like humans can suffer back, neck and muscular injuries from falls or accidents causing pain, stiffness, lack of performance and behavioural changes. Therefore animals such as horses, dogs, cats and farm animals can benefit from McTimoney therapy. The aim of the treatment is to maintain alignment of the spine to ensure correct function of the nervous system.
The technique was developed by a man named John McTimoney firstly on humans and then in the 1950's was adapted for use on animals. McTimoney uses manipulation of the spine along with mobilisation techniques which act on the musculoskeletal system of the animal, it is non invasive and uses only the hands. The treatment is holistic and so looks at the body as a whole. The body's way of protecting an injury is to limit movement in that area by tightening the surrounding muscles to form a 'splint'. Consequently, other muscles and joints take on more weight and concussion than normal. As time goes on the compensating muscles will continue taking on a higher load than they should, this can then lead to misalignment of the whole frame. The animal gets used to this way of going and the musculoskeletal system does not return to its "normal" position.
With a thorough assessment and a combination of skilled manipulation and massage, the muscles can be evoked into releasing muscle tension, therefore allowing the body to realign itself. Muscles are attached to bone, and so by applying manipulation to the bone, we can target those muscle which cannot be reached by muscle alone.
What is involved?
The therapist will take detailed case history of your animal, with information on any current and past injury or change in behaviour and an impression of the animals exercise pattern and general lifestyle.
The spine, pelvis and other relevant joints are then felt for any misalignments or spasms in the associated muscles. Two types of problems exist, "acute" and "chronic". Acute problems may be as the result of a trauma or accident such as a fall, any soreness or inflammation from the incident should be allowed to settle for a few days before treatment occurs. Chronic problems tend to be those which have built up over time, examples of how these can be caused include ill fitting tack, poor hoof balance and weak conformational aspects. Once any problem areas have been located, they are then treated with very precise and rapid adjustments using only the hands.
Aftercare usually involves rest and for limited exercise for a few days to allow the body to adapt to the adjustments. Depending on the nature of the problem more than one treatment may be needed. Strengthening exercises and management techniques may well be discussed in order to improve muscle tone and therefore prevent misalignments reoccuring in the future. Maintenance treatments are recommended, normally every 6 months for horses and every 4 months for dogs.
Therapists rely on owners observations and veterinary surgeons subsequent referrals.
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VETERINARY SURGEON BEFORE TREATMENT AS THEIR APPROVAL IS NEEDED BEFORE ANYONE CAN TREAT YOUR ANIMAL