McTimoney for Animals

In the 1950′ John McTimoney developed the McTimoney Chiropractic technique as such and adapted this later for the treatment on animals. Today, the McTimoney MSc in Animal Manipulation is the only validated course of this level in Europe. Which is taught at the McTimoney Chiropractic College in Abingdon. https://www.mctimoney-chiropractic.org/home.aspx

A graduated McTimoney Practitioner will only work with veterinary approval and closely with the animal’s vet,  to ensure a safe, appropriate and effective treatment. ( in accordance with relevant legislation)

If appropriate the practitioner will also liaise with a range of other para-professionals such as saddlers, dentists, farriers and physiotherapists, in an endeavour to find the best effect for the animal.

As a McTimoney Animal Practitioners, my intend is it to optimise musculoskeletal function of animals in my care, which can lead  to an overall  improvement in physical well-being and performance.

The Treatment , will through the application of a combination of stimulating, mobilising and manipulative techniques detect and address problem areas.

McTimoney is a chiropractic technique and predominantly focuses on joint dysfunction in the spine and pelvis. The technique is holistic, non-invasive, gentle, and is readily accepted by animals. It is designed to facilitate the natural release of joint and soft-tissue dysfunction, and will in turn optimise neurological activity.

The vertebrae in the spine, create a joint at their point of contact and have as such a natural range of motion. Would you observe from above the animal, you be able to see a swinging motion over the back as the animal walks. A restriction at the vertebrae joint level, will result in dysfunction.

A dysfunction at vertebrae level, caused by an accident or a long term issue, doesn’t necessarily prohibit the animal to operate, it does however create a pattern of locomotion which is not optimal and can lead to muscular discomfort and nerve irritation. We need to understand that animals are designed to compensate for any bodily dysfunction, if something is wrong they still need to keep moving. However, this compensation will lead to an altered  pattern of movement, influencing  the rest of the body.

Even when an injury has healed, a problem has been corrected or after a period of rest, the musculoskeletal dysfunction may persist. The animal might move and function, but the owner can experience changes in behaviour or performance and everyday discomfort is not resolved. A vast selection of clinical presentations can be indicative of  a mismatch in the relationship between biomechanical and neurological function of the musculoskeletal system.

DOGS:

Crying out when getting up

Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into cars

Signs of discomfort when being stroked on their backsA reluctance to exercise

Stiffness or pain after exercise

HORSES:

Uneven strides or movement

Uneven wear of shoes

Sore or cold backs, uneven pressure from saddles or the saddle slipping to one side

Unexplained deterioration in usual performance

Asymmetry, such as stiffness on one rein, or a disunited canter

Unexplained resistances, such as napping, rearing, refusing, bucking, etc.

Uneven muscle development or atrophy

IN GENERAL OTHER INDICATIONS CAN INCLUDE:

Lameness after a fall or accident where alternative diagnoses have been ruled out

Uncharacteristic changes in behaviour, performance or temperament

Limb-dragging or odd, irregular action

Recurrence of symptoms previously successfully treated by chiropractic treatment

Absence of any resolution of the problem using conventional methods

Rehabilitation after acute trauma for horses, dogs and cats

McTimoney practitioner uses a specific hand position, performing high velocity and low amplitude adjustments at specific points along the spine and pelvis. Once applied, muscle tension dissipates seeking to resolve discomfort and nerve impingement and will help optimal function to be restored. The body has an innate ability to continue to heal, supported by the treatment the body continues to respond even after the treatment has taken place.

Research concerning the McTimoney techniques can be found www.mctimoneyanimal.co.uk (MAA RESEARCH) Full abstracts and posters are available online

Depending on how the animal presents at the initial treatment, affects how often subsequent treatments are needed, and if the animal has been experiencing dysfunction for an extended period it can take longer for their body to adjust itself.

The practitioner will be able to design an individual rehabilitation program and be available for advise and discussion. To find a McTimoney trained therapist please visit the McTimoney Animal Association Web Site or contact me directly

About the Author

Peggy Sofley – Animals4balance

Member of AHPR

Telephone : 07796133825

Email : animals4balance@gmail.com 

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