What is McTimoney?
The McTimoney treatment is a form of chiropractic developed by John McTimoney in the 1950s, with human techniques later modified for specific use on animals. It is a holistic approach which treats the body as a whole in order to realign and balance the musculoskeletal system. It has a particular focus on the spine and pelvis, and looks at the cause and not just the symptoms of dysfunction. This helps to restore and maintain health, movement, soundness and performance. It is a non-invasive, gentle physical therapy and treatment consists of precise high velocity-low amplitude thrusts using only the practitioner’s hands. Vet consent or referral is required prior to treatment in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the associated 2015 Exemptions Order.
The spinal cord runs through the spine of the horse and nerves branch out from between each vertebrae. These nerves provide all the information that the brain needs to send to various areas of the horse’s body – such as muscles, organs, and soft tissue. Muscle tension or restrictions in the normal range of motion of the spine can compromise the normal function of this nerve supply. This results in decreased function and often pain and discomfort. Adjustments help to restore normal mobility to the spine, allowing the nervous system to return to optimal function. Treatment can also help to prevent future problems, improve muscle tone, and reduce tension and discomfort.
When to seek treatment for your horse
Many equine disciplines put different requirements on the body, so it is not surprising that musculoskeletal issues and injuries arise. Animals can suffer from neck, back, pelvic, and other joint problems in the same way as humans do, and can experience many benefits from manipulative therapy. Regular treatments can also be a great way to improve and maintain your horse’s health and wellbeing, and it is not necessary to wait for a problem to arise before contacting a therapist. Musculoskeletal issues may be the result of acute or chronic stresses on the body. Acute problems might be caused by something like a fall under saddle or a slip in the field, whereas chronic, long-standing issues may be a result of ill-fitting tack, conformational factors, or rider imbalance.
There are many signs and symptoms to indicate that your horse may benefit from a treatment. Some of these are listed below, but if you would like to discuss any specific concerns about your horse then please don’t hesitate call or email me.
- Behavioural changes
- Unexplained loss of normal performance
- Asymmetries
- Stiffness or struggling to bend
- Resistance behaviours (rearing, bucking, napping, refusing jumps etc)
- Lack of impulsion or an unwillingness to extend
- Uneven muscle development
- Uneven hoof or shoe wear
- Signs of soreness or appearing cold backed
- Problems in canter (rushing, disunited gait, bunny-hopping etc)
What to expect during a treatment
I will take a thorough history of your horse at the start of the consultation. This will help me to get an understanding of their day-to-day lifestyle and we will go through any previous or current illnesses, injuries, or specific concerns you have about your horse. I will also confirm that vet consent is in place.
I will next conduct a static and dynamic assessment of your horse. I will firstly observe your horse standing still and will then ask for them to be walked, trotted, circled, and backed up. This allows me to see how your horse moves, assess for any gait abnormalities or obvious areas of restriction, and establish whether there is any lameness which would be a contraindication to treatment.
Using my hands, I will palpate the whole animal for any areas of misalignment, restriction, or tension, and will treat your horse using a combination of McTimoney adjustments and soft tissue techniques.
Finally, I will provide post-treatment aftercare advice. This may include recommendations around routine management or specific exercises, and we can also discuss any future treatments.
