Kate treating a dog

Animal Osteopathy
and Remedial Massage

Osteopathy and Remedial Massage can be hugely beneficial to animals and can help with so much more than simply back ache!

As with humans Osteopathy with animals continues to recognise the importance of the link between the structure of the body and the way it functions.

Each animal case is considered as an individual. Utilising a highly developed sense of touch, I will identify problem areas of the body. Using gentle stretching and mobilising techniques as well as manipulating joints I aim to work with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.

Most of my animal patients are horses and dogs although treatment is by no means limited to these and many different species can be treated.

Below is a list of some of the most common problems reported by the clients I see as to why they have sought Osteopathic and Remedial Massage treatment, however there are many more conditions that can be helped so please feel free to contact me to discuss your pets complaint:

Dogs

  • Uncharacteristic change in behaviour, performance or temperament
  • Crying out in pain when rising from lying down
  • Difficulty in managing stairs or jumping in or out of the car
  • Showing signs of discomfort when stroked along the back
  • Requiring assistance in maintaining mobility
  • Assistance following surgery
  • Lameness

Horses

  • Uncharacteristic change in behaviour, performance or temperament
  • Unwillingness to engage hindquarters
  • Sudden refusal of fences
  • Bucking
  • Unwillingness to strike on correct canter lead
  • Lameness
  • Exhibiting signs of discomfort when being tacked up and/or mounted

What happens during a consultation for my pet?

Prior to an Osteopathic or Remedial Massage appointment Veterinary Permission is required.

I will begin by taking a detailed case history about your animal.
I will then conduct the examination of the animal which will involve: watching your animal move in a normal gait cycle followed by palpating and assessing the whole animal to detect where the problem areas may lie.

Once the examination has been completed the findings will be discussed with you and provided that your animal is deemed suitable, treatment will commence immediately.

Kate riding a horse

How will my animal respond and how many treatments are usually required?

Just as with the human patients each animal will respond in a different way to treatment. Treatment is very gentle and usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques and some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft-tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Most animals relax very well into treatment and thoroughly enjoy it.

How many treatments are required depends on a number of factors including what the initial complaint was, how this was caused and how the animal responds to treatment, however most problems are generally sorted out within 2 or 3 treatments.

How long is an appointment?

Dogs

Horses