Manipulation Therapy

McTimoney Manipulation Therapy is effective due to the high speed used in the adjustments to the cervical vertebrae and the dorsal processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. This causes a reflex action of the associated muscles which contract and relax very quickly and return to a more normal tone. The joint is re-mobilised and so the animal finds greater comfort again.
The pelvis is also re-aligned from any ventral rotation or caudal tilt, which often has a fairly immediate, and sometime dramatic, effect on the movement and comfort of the animal.

Treatment

Treatment is individual to each animal. Some animals respond better to the McTimoney manipulation, some more to the direct pressure techniques of the Massage Therapy. Both are used to complement each other and any other treatment prescribed by the veterinary surgeon.

There are three stages to the treatment.
1. Massage techniques are used to locate areas of muscular tension and spasm release superficial muscle tensions and relax the animal.
2. Manipulation techniques are used to re-balance the pelvis from any ventral rotation or caudal tilt, and remobilise the joints of the spine.
3. Stretching exercises and gentle mobilisation techniques are used to encourage the animal’s awareness of a new range of motion and to complete the treatment in a relaxed and gentle way.
Finally, the owner of the animal is advised on the aftercare routine that they should follow to maximise the benefits of the treatment that has been given.

A written report of the treatment that has been given to the animal is provided for the veterinary surgeon

Procedure for Treatment of an Animal

Veterinary permission is required in all cases before treatment can be given

The history of the animal is always recorded as part of the consultation to understand its past and present workload and any history of injury or disease. Referral back to the animal’s veterinary surgeon is always taken if there is any doubt about the animal’s history.

The owner is then asked to walk or trot the animal. Any lameness not already described and recorded, or other symptom indicating recent injury, will be referred back to the veterinary surgeon for further

How does McTimoney Manipulation Work?

When an animal’s body has a full range of movement throughout the musculoskeletal system the animal is capable of comfortable and efficient locomotion. The joints between the vertebrae of the spine are functioning correctly and the muscles are able to contract and relax producing controlled movement.

McTimoney manipulation therapy is a relatively gentle technique which aims to restore balance and comfort to the animal’s body by means of a thorough examination and quick adjustments where necessary.

The treatment is holistic in that the entire body is examined not just the area of discomfort. No sedation is necessary as animals readily accept the treatment.

Veterinary permission is required in all cases.

Sometimes, whether due to a fall, injury, bad conformation or simply a hard work load, there can be instances when the joints between the vertebrae of the spine become less mobile in their range of movement. Often enough, these joints will ‘re-mobilise’ over a period of time, maybe due to rest or a change in work routine, and no symptoms are evident. In some cases, however, the joints do not ‘re-mobilise’ and the surrounding joints become hypermobile in order to afford the animal the same range of movement as would be considered normal. This can produce muscle tension and discomfort for the animal. Symptoms may be intermittent, depending on the movement required, or constant - often in long term cases.

How does Sports Massage Therapy work?

The technique of massaging aims to warm and sensitise the muscle groups, encourage increased blood circulation and promote the removal of waste products which have built up in the muscle fibres.

The massage strokes are also used to locate any areas of particular tension where muscle spasm is evident, and a simple but effective direct pressure technique releases those spasms and enables the muscles to relax. Muscle spasms are often located at the musculotendinous junctions and tend to correspond with area of reduced joint mobility.

Sports Massage helps to release muscle spasms and relax the locomotory muscles through the body. The whole body is examined and most animals find the treatment relaxing and enjoyable.

Although the treatment is primarily practiced on horses and dogs, it is transferable to other animals and compliments the McTimoney manipulation therapy very well.