Like people, animals suffer from back, neck, pelvic and musculoskeletal problems and they can benefit from McTimoney treatment.
​
McTimoney is a form of chiropractic manipulation used to treat pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. It predominantly focuses on optimising alignment of the spine and pelvis in order to restore correct function of the skeletal system, nervous system and surrounding soft tissue. The technique is non-invasive and gentle and is readily accepted by animals. The treatment aims to resolve dysfunction and balance the animal’s musculoskeletal system, restoring health and movement, soundness and performance. McTimoney chiropractic treatment can help relieve an animal’s pain and restore movement if they have been compensating or suffered a musculoskeletal injury.
The vertebrae in the spine have a natural range of motion, to facilitate normal locomotion. If you were to watch a horse or dog move from above, you’d be able to see the spine almost swing as the limbs hit the ground. A restriction occurs when the vertebrae get fixed within this range of motion, creating dysfunction. Whilst this does not necessarily prohibit the animal moving, it does create a pattern of locomotion which is not optimal and can lead to muscular discomfort and nerve impingement. Horses and dogs have a very advanced compensatory mechanism; when dysfunction occurs they need to keep moving. Studies have shown that the centre of mass moves when a lameness occurs, helping to facilitate weight being taken away from the affected limb for instance. As the pattern of movement changes the body itself experiences change, to help support this. A joint restriction is part of that compensatory mechanism.
​
A number of different things, both acute (short term) and chronic (long term) influences can lead to the development of joint restrictions and associated soft tissue dysfunction. In horses for example, it could be an injury or accident, or a more long-term issue such as foot balance or poorly fitting tack. Once the problem is resolved, or injury healed the dysfunction remains. The animal can move and function normally, but may still show signs of discomfort, stiffness and some experience changes in behaviour which is when some owners ask for investigation as performance and everyday comfort is still not resolved.
​
McTimoney practitioners rely on the owner’s observations and the veterinary surgeon’s subsequent referrals. Indications in animals vary and most owners will recognise when their animal is in pain, or showing signs of distress. As a guide owners should consider seeking treatment if their animal displays any of the following signs:
DOGS:
Crying out when getting up
Difficulty climbing stairs or getting into cars
Signs of discomfort when being stroked on their backs
A 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.
GENERAL:
Uneven muscle development or atrophy
Uncharacteristic changes in behaviour, performance or temperament
The treatment of animals is currently regulated under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and Exemptions order 2015. Members of the McTimoney Animal Association (MMAA) 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.
​
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, an aftercare plan will be discussed 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.
​
​
​
​