When will a Dog Benefit from McTimoney Treatment?
The dog’s spine is fairly flexible and normal movement such as bending and stretching are well tolerated. Extreme activities which force the joint to its maximum of movement cause the muscle around this joint to tighten in the attempt to correct. In most cases this self-protection of the dog’s body will be enough to realign the joint. However, if the problem is repetitive or the influence is too great, the misalignment will persist! The muscles around the spinal joint will go into spasm, causing the joint to stay in a fixed position. This will result in pain, joint inflammation and even nerve irritation.
McTimoney treatment can help relieve an animal’s pain and restore movement after they’ve injured themselves or from problems caused by conformation or condition issues. Dogs are subject to various strains and stresses to their musculoskelatal system while playing, training or working!
Slipping on floors, jumping heights, twisting past obstacles or one sided movements etc. Performance dogs are particularly influenced by hazards unique to their tasks such as greyhounds running on a tight track and agility dogs encountering a difficult obstacle. If allowed to persist, these problems can result in degenerative problems.
Signs that a Dog may Benefit from McTimoney Treatment
- reluctance to exercise
- difficulty getting in/out of the car
- difficulty climbing stairs
- changes in posture or movement
- uneven muscle development
- difficulty jumping
- crying out, slow when getting up and/or down
- Discomfort when being stroked or groomed
- uneven claw wear
- changes in behaviour or temperament
What to Expect from a McTimoney Treatment?
The initial visit will take approx. 45mins, subsequent visits will take approx.30mins.
1. Case History-A full history of your animal is recorded to gain a clear understanding of your animal and also to assess any possible contraindications to treatment. Details are taken of any previous injury, current concerns or changes in behaviour and an impression of the animal’s exercise pattern and general lifestyle.
2. Conformation evaluation-Conformation, condition, blemishes, muscle tone and muscular asymmetry are assessed.
3. Gait Analysis-You will be asked to walk, trot and turn the animal in hand. This is to assess the animal’s movement and flexibility.
4. Palpation-By hand, assessment for misalignments of the spine, pelvis and any other relevant joints are undertaken as well as assessing for tension, spasm in the associated muscles and discomfort.
5. Treatment-Problem areas, identified during palpation, will be treated using very precise and rapid adjustments to correct the misalignment and reduce any muscle spasm. Each treatment is individually tailored to the needs of your animal.
6. Aftercare-After treatment, the healing process continues for a few days. Aftercare usually involves rest and/or limited exercise for a few days. Advise will also be provided about any appropriate stretching regime and/or exercise programme so that the owner can continue the rehabilitation process and gain the most from the treatment.
7. Future Visits-Some animals may require several treatments, depending on the nature of the problem. However, it is recommended that all animals receive regular check-ups to maintain optimum performance and health and as a preventative measure.
How will a Dog Benefit from McTimoney Treatment?
Performance
- Improve irregular gait that has not been eliminated by a veterinary examination
- Improve performance in working and competition dogs
- Improve posture, muscle symmetry and development
- Improve balance and straightness
- Improve gait and uneven pad wear
Behavioural
- Remove discomfort when getting up, sitting or lying down
- Improve movement and willingness to work, e.g. jump, get into cars, climb stairs etc.
- Alleviate grumpiness, snappiness when being stroked or after exercise.