McTimoney Animal Chiropractic Explained
There are many forms of chiropractic approaches and techniques used around the world and McTimoney is a form of treatment which originated in the UK from a chiropractor named John McTimoney. He devised a holistic (whole body) chiropractic method applying engineering principles to the examination and treatment of the skeletal structure. Rather than using large, forceful manipulations he sought to achieve a technique which would create realignment of the skeleton that would be comfortable for the patient to receive. In 1954 John McTimoney formulated chiropractic analysis and treatment for animals and he is believed to be the first chiropractor to do this.
The McTimoney approach involves taking a detailed case history, whole body static and dynamic assessment of the patient followed by gentle, swift, light force manipulation. From an animal therapy perspective it is extremely important that the treatment is gentle as this means that manipulation can be administered with as little stress to the animal as possible. In human practice a therapist is able to explain what they are about to do to a patient and if an adjustment may cause discomfort. However this is not an option in animal practice and as an animal therapist we have to gain trust from the animal. McTimoney treatment offers a gentle approach to animal manipulation which keeps all parties secure and safe during treatment, resulting in effective practice. The nervous system controls the whole body, if we are able to gain mental relaxation from the patient we can create a positive physical response which is paramount to the effectiveness of such treatments.
McTimoney treatment is based on the principle that pain and discomfort within the musculoskeletal system (with the elimination of injury and disease by a vet) is caused by abnormal functioning of the spinal column. This may be an area of the skeleton which has become restricted resulting in a reduced range of movement and muscle tightness or spasm. It can also be when a joint has become hypermobile, thereby producing pain and discomfort in the associated soft tissue structures as a result.
When considering spinal anatomy and the close proximity of the nerves exiting from the spinal column, areas of restriction or hyper mobility can cause potential impingements on the nervous system. This can result in severe pain and possibly adverse behavioural symptoms. Specialised manipulations at specific locations of the spine, in a certain direction and velocity, stimulate the nervous system to respond allowing the soft tissue to relax and the skeleton to realign. This greatly reduces the tension and discomfort within the musculoskeletal system. By treating the whole body from head to tail in this way it helps to improve the entire symmetry and balance of that patient. In light of this McTimoney treatment can benefit a wide range of patients for compensatory/lameness issues, performance enhancement, general well being, direct trauma/ injury with significant results.