What to expect from a therapy appointmentBefore any physical therapy treatment a thorough case history will be taken for the animal. Important details required are current and past injuries, management and exercise routines, behavioural changes and general lifestyle of the animal. An initial history and assessment provides a picture of the animal’s lifestyle, performance requirements and conformation and will isolate any problems. Static assessment and gait evaluation: Each animal is initially examined standing, looking for any musculoskeletal asymmetry or abnormalities. Palpation is important to highlight any regions of filling or heat indicating an ongoing inflammatory/healing response and restriction in the range of motion from a joint or limb. Each animal will be observed in motion. Horses are usually led in straight lines in walk and trot, then lunged and possibly ridden if appropriate and facilities allow. Dogs are also seen led up or loose in walk, trot and canter as appropriate. From this the most appropriate treatment plan for the animal is decided. Each treatment is tailored to the particular issues of the animal in question, using a combination of: McTimoney Animal Manipulation Equine Sports Massage Muscle Release Techniques Stretching and Proprioceptive Re-education programmes |
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