Article by Liz on Canine Health Concern website
Posted 5th February, 2010
I thought you might be interested to hear about an article I have been asked to write for Canine Health Concern's website and newsletter. I am a member of CHC and an avid supporter of the work and research they carry out.The article can be found at http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk/ under "complementary therapies". Please also browse the site for more information about CHC and the work they do.
Alternatively, here is the full text of the article:
Promoting natural health: McTimoney therapy
Many of us are aware how debilitating it can be to suffer from back, neck or other musculoskeletal pains - and a wide array of different therapies are available to help us, with perhaps the best-known being chiropractic and osteopathy. But what happens when you suspect your dog is suffering from a similar problem?
This article focuses on McTimoney, a gentle manipulative therapy which can reduce muscle soreness, improve nerve function, raise natural immunity and encourage healing, and can improve mobility and gait quality. Practitioners hold the Animal Manipulation qualification issued by McTimoney Chiropractic College (but cannot describe themselves as Chiropractors unless they are also qualified to treat humans).
How does it work?
McTimoney works by identifying areas of misalignment in skeletal landmarks such as the spine, pelvis and skull. A misalignment occurs when a joint is overstressed or brought beyond its normal range of movement. This causes a reactive muscle spasm which stabilises the joint and prevents further damage. In many cases, dogs can relieve these muscle spasms themselves with a good stretch or a roll! However, in some cases the pain from the muscle spasm causes the dog to seek a more comfortable way of moving, so you may notice him shift his hindquarters to one side, roach his back or move slowly and stiffly. This compensatory movement places more strain on healthy joints, ligaments and muscles, and can lead to further areas of misalignment. In addition, when misalignments occur in the spine they can cause nerve function to become impaired - causing symptoms of a "trapped nerve", or other symptoms such as hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal or skin problems - as nerves travel anywhere in the body, nerve disruption can affect literally any bodily function. During a treatment, the practitioner will locate misalignments and treat them using gentle adjustments which most dogs accept readily, often falling asleep.
How can it help?
As well as releasing painful muscle spasms McTimoney stimulates the body's natural healing processes, improving immunity and boosting a feeling of wellbeing, and so can be helpful when treating chronic conditions. It is also useful for dogs with degenerative conditions such as arthritis as they often suffer from related muscle pain and compensatory misalignments in other parts of their bodies. You may be unaware your dog has any problem at all, as misalignments can be very subtle and otherwise healthy, active dogs may tolerate a few aches and pains without objecting. On the other hand, you may notice your dog is less active, does not move as freely as usual, stretches a lot, or loses interest in agility, flyball or obedience training. Some dogs may growl when touched in sensitive areas, or avoid playing with other dogs - often to the extent of displaying aggressive or overly submissive behaviours.
Finally, it is important to recognise that this is not a crisis treatment. If your dog becomes suddenly lame or shows neurological symptoms, you must take him to a vet. Also, to comply with the law it is mandatory that your vet gives their approval for your dog to be treated (this applies to ANY type of therapy which is not being administered by yourself or a qualified vet).
About the author
Liz Harris is a McTimoney, Sports Massage and Reiki practitioner based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. She has a rescued collie cross who she takes to agility and sheepdog training, and is a CHC member. Home visits are available throughout the North, and regular canine clinics are available in Harrogate and Middlesbrough. Liz is also a Reiki Master Teacher. For more information about her work, see www.lizharris.co.uk or call 07707 653950.
