McTimoney Therapy
- What is McTimoney Therapy?
- About the treatment process
- What can cause back pain in horses?
- Does your horse need a treatment?
What is McTimoney Therapy?
McTimoney therapy is a gentle noninvasive therapy that realigns the musculoskeletal system. The treatment aims to restore the musculoskeletal system , thus maintaining health and performance. There is no "bone crunching". Adjustments are made at specific points where the misalignment is located, this in turn releases areas of muscle tension and balances the body The adjustments themselves are high velocity (speed) low amplitude (force).
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Back pain can be caused by a one off event, resulting in acute injury, or can be caused by something that has built up over a period of days, weeks or even years thus resulting in a chronic injury. Acute injuries can be caused by a trip or fall, sudden movements that are out of the horses natural range, getting cast in the stable, or even caused by rough play in the field with other horses. Chronic injuries can be caused by conformational faults where parts of the body compensate for this, ill-fitting tack, hoof imbalance, dental problems, and repetitive work on poor terrain.
About The Treatment Process
I take a detailed history from the owner/carer of the horse, this includes lots of information from diet to exercise, turnout, routine and general health checks. I make a general assessment of body condition and take notes on conformation both static and dynamic (you are asked to walk and trot your horse up in hand). I then palpate your horse from their head, through their neck along their back and also the pelvis. I then treat areas of misalignments using the McTimoney technique. Once the treatment is completed I will give advice as to what to expect following the treatment and how to adjust your horses work load for the next few days.
Does Your Horse Need a Treatment?
Common signs of your horse needing a treatment are; Biting when girthed up and discomfort or increased sensitivity during grooming. Stiffness on one rein when ridden or lunged. Sudden reluctance to jump, running out or rushing. General behaviour changes. Disunited canter/incorrect canter lead. Poor Saddle fit... I can also advise on saddle fit. I also advise my clients to have regular back checks themselves, as an asymmetrical rider can lead to a asymmetric/one sided horse.