McTimoney therapy is a method of maintaining and restoring health by means of manipulation of the bones, paying particular attention to the spine and pelvis. As every cell and organ of the body is controlled by the nervous system, nerves that travel between joint spaces, particularly those of the spine, can become trapped due to the joint losing its normal position or becoming restricted in movement (termed misalignment or subluxation). Therefore it follows that if the spine is maintained in its proper alignment, nerve impulses flow freely and without interference. When a nerve is restricted by a misaligned joint it cannot function correctly and can cause a dysfunction in musculature, and even in organs. When there is no interference, natural self-healing maintains health. McTimoney therapy aims to correctly align the joints of the body in order that nerve impulses can flow freely and without interference.
The McTimoney technique was developed by John McTimoney for use on humans during the middle of the twentieth century. John McTimoney then adapted the technique for use on animals in 1953. It is a gentle, safe, holistic therapy which is concerned with the whole body, emphasising the treatment of the cause of the problems, rather than just the symptoms. Problem areas are treated with the hands, using specific high speed, low force adjustments to correct misalignments and reduce muscle spasm. The treatment is readily accepted by most animals, and some positively enjoy it.
Like people, animals can suffer from back, neck, pelvic, limb and musculoskeletal problems. Indications that your animal should see a McTimoney Animal Practitioner include:
- lameness resulting after a fall, or other accident where alternative causes have been ruled out
- uncharacteristic changes in behaviour, performance or temperament
- limb dragging, or odd, irregular action
- reluctance to work
- reluctance to jump
- loss of impulsion
- absence of any resolution of the problem using conventional methods.
Your animal may recover on its own by rolling or stretching. However, if the cause of misalignment was too great or is repetitive, the muscles surrounding the joint will start to spasm, creating pain, and possibly secondary problems affecting other musculoskeletal structures. At this point your animal needs manipulative treatment in order to decrease the pain, improve movement and improve health.
Before you seek treatment for your animal, you must always gain permission from your veterinary surgeon.
