Treatment Process
The treatment of animals is currently regulated under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and Exemptions order 2015. Our members work closely with vets to ensure a safe, appropriate and effective treatment takes place. The veterinary surgeon of an animal must provide consent BEFORE McTimoney chiropractic treatment is given to an animal. Most vets are aware of the benefits of complementary treatments for animals and will readily give their permission for the animal to be treated.
The McTimoney approach begins by taking a detailed case history, whole body static and dynamic assessment of the patient which enables a complete analysis of what may be occurring in that animal. The assessment process is essential to distinguish areas of dysfunction, asymmetry and patterns of movement. Palpation analysis of the musculoskeletal system is also key and is used to determine areas of dysfunction, hyper mobility or restriction.
McTimoney therapists treat using the hands in a specific hand position, performing high velocity and low amplitude adjustments performed at specific anatomical landmarks along the spine and pelvis, inducing a therapeutic response in joint structures, muscle function and nerve reflexes. The technique used is gentle, and therapists can make the adjustments lighter and smaller accordingly.
Once treatment has been given muscle tension, discomfort, and nerve impingements are released and the body can move and function optimally once more. The body has an innate ability to continue to heal, and the treatment helps to facilitate this ability so the body continues to respond after the treatment has taken place. Research studies into the effects of treatment can be viewed on the research area of our site.
All animals react differently to the treatment as they are just as individual as we are. Owners may see some stiffness and tiredness in the first few days following treatment and generally animals drink more water in the first 24 hours.
Finally therapists put an aftercare plan in place with the owner, in order to ensure that the body is supported during the immediate weeks post treatment. This changes depending on what the animal is doing, whether it’s competing for instance, and can involve doing a lesser degree of training for a few days, or introducing new exercises into the regimen or doing a bit less for a few days before gradually building back up to normal work load.
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. In some cases therapists work closely with vets and other musculoskeletal therapists, in order to continue providing the best care for animals and best results for owners.
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