Alana Macartney - Equine And Canine Sports Therapy

Mctimoney Animal Manipulation and Sports Massage for horses and dogs

The McTimoney approach to manipulation was developed in the 1950's by the late John McTimoney when he modified his human manipulation techniques to apply specifically to animals. Like humans, animals can suffer from a range of neck, back, pelvic and musculoskeletal problems and can benefit from McTimoney manipulation.

The treatment is a gentle non invasive physical therapy which works to realign and balance the musculoskeletal system helping to restore health and movement, soundness and performance.

Misalignments occur when a vertebra is not sitting in its correct anatomical position in line with the vertebrae on either side of it. In this situation, the nervous system may be compromised as nerves may become impinged and unable to function correctly.

Misalignments can occur as a result of injury or trauma, illness, obesity, age, dental issues, incorrectly fitting saddles, rugs, collars and harnesses, poor hoof balance and conformation.

Common symptoms of misalignments in horses include:
-a change in your animals normal behaviour,
-a decrease in performance,
- uneven or altered gait,
-stiffness
-bucking, rearing or cold backed
-knocking poles, refusing to jump
-disunited canter, incorrect canter lead
-uneven shoe wear

And in dogs:
-reluctance to play
-reduced performance
-no longer able to jump in /out of car or up /down stairs
- crying out when getting up
- stiffness
- changes to normal behaviour
- uneven paw /claw wear

Secondary compensatory issues often arise distant to the site of the original issue as the animal alters its gait pattern as it endeavors to make itself more comfortable. This causes other areas of the body to 'lock up' in an attempt to protect it from painful movement. This has the knock on effect of restricting mobility, altering posture and causing further muscle tension, spasm and pain. Discomfort and pain are translated to other areas affecting the whole body, and as such the body is treated holistically as a whole interconnected structure.

During the treatment, high velocity, low amplititude thrusts are applied across the vertebrae which release muscle tension and spasm surrounding a joint allowing the vertebra to return to its correct position restoring joint symmetry and function. Nervous system function is improved as is the animals posture, movement, co-ordination and comfort levels. No gadgets or equipment are required, all treatment is done using only the hands. The efficacy of the technique lies in the speed and precision of the thrusts not the force as is commonly misconceived.
The adjustments work within the normal anatomical limits of a joint and its supporting structures, moving it through its full range of movement without exceeding the boundaries of anatomical integrity. Treatment therefore works with the body's innate intelligence, allowing the animal to heal itself as much as is appropriate at any given time.
More than one treatment may be necessary depending on the nature, duration and severity of the animals condition with the outcome also dependent on these factors. Chronic compensatory issues will take longer to resolve than those of acute onset.

Prevention is always better than cure so you do not need to wait until there is a problem for your animal to benefit from treatment. Maintenance treatments can be incorporated into your usual health checks for your animal to identify minor issues before they have a chance to develop.

For an informal chat or to book an appointment please call Laney on 07707085451.