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.