Treatment Process

I primarily work with horses and therefore the treatment process described below uses the horse as an example. When working with other animals there are many similarities to the outline below but with understandable variations. If you have any questions or require more information please ask!

 

Every horse is treated as an individual and no two treatments are the same. The treatment process is adapted to what is found but essentially is made up of the following stages:

Clinical History

When working with a new client, I begin by gathering a comprehensive history to identify any potential contraindications before moving forwards. This includes discussing past and present health conditions, evaluating the horse's current exercise routine, and understanding the owner's goals and expectations. For every follow-up session, the history is reviewed and updated to ensure the best possible care.

Gait Analysis

This will involve watching the horse move, both in walk and in trot, turning in tight circles and backing up. Gait abnormalities, asymmetries and stiffnesses are identified. This will help give a clearer indication as to the location of any issues. When a problem is occurring on the lunge or under saddle it may also be a requirement to see the horse ridden/lunged.

Static Palpation & Assessment

Using my hands, I will palpate the animal's body to identify areas of muscle tension, misalignments, spasms, asymmetry, or discomfort. I will also evaluate the horse’s conformation to better understand the possible causes of any discomfort. 

Throughout the treatment process I will continue to assess and check muscle tonicity and range of movement. My intention is always to do enough to allow the horse to self correct if possible, this may be in the way of a guided stretch or mobilisation of a joint or even simply allowing restricted fascia to release.

Treatment

Using my hands, I start with a range of soft tissue techniques to aid general acceptance of treatment and relaxation, I work by feel and identify areas of tension and then work to reduce them. The chiropractic element of treatment follows and the McTimoney technique works by using fast but low thrust adjustments to specific areas of the skeleton which release muscle spasm, alleviate pain and return the joints to their normal range of motion. As a general rule, and where I feel it is appropriate, I finish with stretching and mobility work for optimal effectiveness.

After care

After the treatment I will talk you through my findings and advise on appropriate exercises you may wish to do to help prolong the impact of the treatment and to improve your horse's overall wellbeing and performance. I will advise on the best immediate and long term management of your horse, it is often advised that they have a quiet and relaxed rest of their day and a careful return to work. I will also advise on a timeframe for a follow up treatment