Treatment
Alex uses a combination of McTimoney chiropractic manipulation, sports massage and Kinesio physiotherapy taping (equine only) to provide a whole-body, gentle and effective treatment for animals. The aim of treatment is to improve the movement, comfort and performance of your animals. This may be to address specific back or musculoskeletal problems, and associated compensations, or as part of an ongoing maintenance routine to prevent issues. There doesn't need to be something wrong for animals to benefit from treatment! Although Alex mainly treats horses and dogs, other animals including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and cattle can be treated.
What is McTimoney for animals?
The McTimoney technique is a holistic (aka whole-body) and gentle therapy, which focuses on the spine and pelvis, and works to realign and balance the animal’s musculoskeletal system. The technique was developed by the late John McTimoney in the 1950s, specifically modifying his human chiropractic technique to animals. The vertebrae and pelvis are examined for any misalignments and muscle spasm. The problem areas are treated using a series of very precise, rapid manipulations or adjustments, to the vertebrae and pelvis to help correct the misalignment, restore full range of joint motion and relieve muscle spasm. Most animals readily accept the treatment and relax into it.
Sports Massage
Alex uses sports massage as a complementary treatment to McTimoney therapy to further alleviate muscle spasm and address specific problems.
Equine Kinesio Taping
Kinesio tape is an elastic therapeutic taping method used in rehabilitation and sports medicine for human athletes, which has been adapted for use in horses. Kinesio tape optimises the function of many different tissues and muscles, and is used over and around muscles to: prevent overuse; adjust joint misalignment; reduce pain by alleviating pressure; reduce swelling and bruising. For example, specific taping can help correct a horse's muscle imbalance, by resting overused muscles an facilitating less-used muscles.
What is McTimoney for animals?
The McTimoney technique is a holistic (aka whole-body) and gentle therapy, which focuses on the spine and pelvis, and works to realign and balance the animal’s musculoskeletal system. The technique was developed by the late John McTimoney in the 1950s, specifically modifying his human chiropractic technique to animals. The vertebrae and pelvis are examined for any misalignments and muscle spasm. The problem areas are treated using a series of very precise, rapid manipulations or adjustments, to the vertebrae and pelvis to help correct the misalignment, restore full range of joint motion and relieve muscle spasm. Most animals readily accept the treatment and relax into it.
Sports Massage
Alex uses sports massage as a complementary treatment to McTimoney therapy to further alleviate muscle spasm and address specific problems.
Equine Kinesio Taping
Kinesio tape is an elastic therapeutic taping method used in rehabilitation and sports medicine for human athletes, which has been adapted for use in horses. Kinesio tape optimises the function of many different tissues and muscles, and is used over and around muscles to: prevent overuse; adjust joint misalignment; reduce pain by alleviating pressure; reduce swelling and bruising. For example, specific taping can help correct a horse's muscle imbalance, by resting overused muscles an facilitating less-used muscles.
McTimoney adjustment
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Sports Massage
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Kinesio Taping
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When to seek treatment?
Musculoskeletal problems can cause pain, stiffness, affect performance and soundness and even alter behaviour. All animals can benefit from treatment - horses, dogs, cats, small furries and farm animals. As a guide, owners should consider seeking treatment if their animal displays any of the following signs:
Musculoskeletal problems can cause pain, stiffness, affect performance and soundness and even alter behaviour. All animals can benefit from treatment - horses, dogs, cats, small furries and farm animals. As a guide, owners should consider seeking treatment if their animal displays any of the following signs:
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Horses and other large animals
Uneven, irregular gait Sore or 'cold' back Unexplained deterioration in performance Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein , or disunited canter Rearing, refusing, bucking Uncharacteristic changes in behaviour Uneven muscle development Discomfort from poorly fitting tack Compensation for underlying problems e.g. dental or orthopaedic issues |
Dogs and other small animals
Reluctance to exercise Reduced athletic performance Uneven gait Uneven muscle development Stiffness or pain following exercise Difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, getting into the car Signs of discomfort when being stroked Uncharacteristic changes in behaviour |
To book an appointment, or for friendly advice, please contact Alex - Contact
