WHAT IS AN ANIMAL OSTEOPATH/CHIRO
Animal Osteopathic treatment is a gentle, safe and effective form of manual therapy for your pets WHOLE BODY keeping them in TOTAL BALANCE.
Animal Osteopaths/ Chiropractors can identify areas of discomfort in you pet that maybe the reason for their symptoms. These regions of dysfunction can cause further pain and restriction of movement which can lead to further problems.
Animals are similar to humans. They can get aches and pain as we do and most of the time they will recover without the assistance from an animal chiropractor. This is due to the fact that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. But sometimes, the same as us, the pain doesn’t subside and needs a little push in the right direction. This is where animal chiropractics can help facilitate the healing process.
Animal Osteopaths/ Chiropractors will help relieve the tension in muscles, restore joint motion and improve range of motion. This all adds up to a reduction in pain and improved function of the region causing your pet troubles.
Animal Osteopaths/ Chiropractors can also offer personal advice on stretching or strengthening exercises for your horse or dog.
WHAT DOES AN ANIMAL OSTEO TREAT?
Animal osteopaths treat musculoskeletal problems. This includes neck to back problems, jaw pain and tail or limb problems. Many limb problems have the potential to cause secondary back, hip or shoulder problems. This is due to compensation from your pet as they don’t want to weight bear on that limb, placing more weight on the opposite side. This is why an animal osteopaths will treat all areas of dysfunction, the primary and secondary regions to ensure your pets best recovery.
Animal osteopathic care may be used in conjunction with existing or traditional approaches such as your vet or farrier.
WHY DO ANIMALS NEED TREATMENT?
The musculoskeletal system of the horse and dog is very similar to humans. Any repetitive stresses/strains or sudden traumatic incidents can result in functional problems and symptoms much the same way as humans.
Many owners know when their pet is not performing as usual or seems a bit out of character. Unless there has been a specific traumatic incident, these signs only become obvious once the problem has been there for some time.
When there is a restriction in spinal or limb joints, the biomechanics of the animal changes and a cascade of events can occur. For example, you horse or dog may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
Local inflammation around affected joints
Local & referred pain
Abnormal gait and movement patterns
Some forms of lameness
Muscle spasms and trigger points
Secondary joint and muscle problems elsewhere as the animal tries to compensate for the original problem
Nerve irritation sometimes leading to pins and needles
HORSE
Signs that your horse may need osteopathic care include any of the following:
Pain/discomfort (i.e. when patting/brushing)
Unbalanced gait
Lameness
Coat changes in specific areas
Changes in posture/conformation
Head shaking/tossing
Avoiding leads/gaits/jumps
Change in behavior towards work
Loss of performance
Low or high head carriage
Girth pain syndrome or pain under the saddle
Stumbling/tripping/poor co-ordination
Difficulties flexing to one side
Shortness in stride/gait
Difficulties standing square
Bucking/pigrooting under saddle
Arthritis/stiffness esp. to one side
Pleasure Horses
Most horses ranging from light work to heavy work would benefit from animal osteopathic care. Human intervention and riding horses has forced them to adapt to things that they would never have had in the wild. Saddles, bits, harnesses etc. are all things that can place stress on a horse. Along with falls in paddocks, poor fitted gear and floating accidents can all add up. Animal Osteopathy can help your horse adapt to these stressors and many age related conditions along with some advice to help you reduce your stress impact on your horse.
Performance Horses
Animal Osteopathy is aimed at improving soft tissue and joint mobility and function. After loosening up restricted areas for a performing horse, you may notice improved range of motion in gait and improved conformation. Also, many potential injuries can be picked up before they progress to becoming larger issues. Missed training days and injuries can be avoided with regular chiropractic “tune up‘s” keeping your horse in top condition.
DOG
Signs that your dog may need animal osteopathic care include any of the following:
Pain/discomfort (i.e. when patting/brushing)
Gait changes or abnormalities
Changes in posture/conformation
Change in behavior/attitude towards exercise (ie tiring quickly)
Loss of performance
Low head carriage
Difficulties getting up and getting comfortable
Stumbling/poor co-ordination
Difficulties climbing/jumping (ie stairs)
Shortness in stride/step
Difficulties jumping in/out of car
Difficulties standing square
Arthritis
Stiffness or difficulty moving
Secondary effects of hip dysphasia
Secondary pain/discomfort due to a primary limb problem
THE ANIMAL OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Animal osteopaths tailor a treatment to your pets specific problems to ensure the best results are achieved. This is done by the use of a thorough history and examination.
On initial consultation with the animal osteopath, a detailed history of your pet’s current complaint will be discussed. This will be followed with a complete examination running through various movements and tests to determine the cause of the problem.
Your animal osteopath will discuss with you what has been found and what the recommended treatment. Treatment will then commence to finish off the consultation.
The initial consult will last for approximately 45mins. Any subsequent treatments will be for 30 minutes.
Techniques that will be used by your animal osteopath includes soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and articulation, muscular and connective tissue stretching, specific joint manipulation, general dietary and exercise advise and specific take-home exercises for you to do with your horse or dog.
During all consultations, the animal osteopath will frequently discuss your pet’s progress and prognosis so that you are comfortable and fully understand the treatment process. At all times, you are welcome and encouraged to ask any questions that you have.
DO YOU NEED A REFERRAL?
No referrals are required to visit an animal osteopath/ chiropractor.
Animal Osteopathic/ Chiropractic treatments are NOT a substitute for veterinary care. We are happy to work in with your veterinarian to optimise your pet’s care.
CONTACT DETAILS
To arrange an appointment, please call Bec at the clinic
9773 8085
General enquiries can also be emailed to enquiries@totalbalancehealth.com.au
| 
