Everything you need to know about equine and canine osteopathy
Keep reading to learn more about the treatment and its benefits.
Call 07582862870 Call NowWhat is osteopathy?
A holistic medicine
Osteopathy is a type of manual therapy that uses a holistic approach: the body is considered and treated as a unit where all parts are interconnected and need to function correctly.
It relies on the practitioner’s ability to assess the quality and movement of all bodily tissues (joints, muscles, organs, fascia, etc…).
Treating the cause, not the syptoms
Instead of just treating the symptoms, the osteopath is looking for the source of any imbalance/restriction.
Movement is life!
The osteopath is a movement specialist who uses different techniques in order to restore the body’s ideal freedom of movement and encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itself: homeostasis.
The body has its own 'Medicine Chest'
The osteopath makes sure that all troubled areas are able to receive a good blood supply containing all the immunity cells and nutrients necessary for the healing to occur. The body once adjusted will do the rest!
Prevention is better than cure
I cannot repeat this enough! - Even though osteopathy is often used for rehabilitation and performance purposes, it should primarily be used for maintenance and prevention.
Animal osteopathy is the same as human osteopathy but applied to animals.
N.B: I do not treat people; I only provide treatment for animals.
Animal osteopathy is complementary to veterinary care and does not replace a veterinary consultation/treatment. I will always work closely with your vet.
Unsure if animal osteopathy is right for your animal’s specific condition? Get in touch with me; I will be happy to answer all your questions.
What are the benefits of animal osteopathy?
“We all want the best for our companions! By offering them regular treatments you can make sure they are on top form and prevent the apparition of chronic injuries”
There are many benefits to having an osteopathic treatment. The main benefits are:
- Prevention of injuries (chronic and degenerative)
- Maintenance of mobility, health and wellbeing
- Maximising performance / improving movement and balance
- Assisting growth and development
- Remedial care / rehabilitation / pain management / faster recovery
They can’t talk! So, even though they are pretty good at telling us when they are in discomfort, it’s best to get them checked regularly.
“The best way to fix a problem is to prevent it!”
It always starts with a small restriction of mobility which is easily reversible. With time, a small restriction has the ability to turn into much bigger problems.
When an area is restricted, the body will compensate and find a new way of functioning with this new set up.
Unfortunately, this is the start of a cascade of reactions across the entire body. Over time, if the primary restriction is not removed, areas away from the site of injury will start to develop secondary restrictions. This is because they have to work differently to accommodate for the primary restriction: these newer restrictions are called compensations. This goes on and on until the body can’t cope and that irreversible damage has been done.
“People often contact me as a last resort or when nothing else has worked and it’s heartbreaking!”
This can happen without you even realising! I always say that because you can’t see any problems yet, it doesn’t mean they aren’t forming under your radar.
This is why I believe in regular check-ups to prevent the apparition of painful chronic injuries (i.e.: arthritis).
What I can help you with? - “Not just for bad backs!”
A common belief is that osteopathy is only used to treat bad backs, joint problems and sore muscles. But the truth is, because it takes into consideration the entire body, it has an incredibly wide range of applications.
“IT CAN HELP YOU WITH SO MUCH MORE“
Equine osteopathy
I have made a list of common problems equine osteopathy can help you and your horse with:
- Pain / discomfort when being touched, groomed or ridden
- Poor performance
- Poor posture / muscle asymmetry / stiffness
- Gait abnormalities / lameness
- Not collecting / engaging / bending / lack of impulsion
- Problems on a circle on one rein / disunited canter
- Abnormal behaviour / change in behaviour: bucking, rearing, kicking, refusing jumps, etc …
- Girthing and mounting problems
- Swollen limbs / sheath / udder (If no infection)
- Osteoarthritis (OA) / other joint problems /ligament injuries
- Muscle / Tendon injuries
- Navicular syndrome / Poor hoof quality and foot balance
- Hock / Stifle / Sacroiliac problems
- Kissing spine
- Headshaking / Headaches
- Digestive problems / Poor coat quality
- Reproductive problems (fertility / hormonal issues)
- “Moody mare” syndrome
- Breathing difficulties
- Laminitis
- Angular deformities
- Difficult foaling (Dystocia)
- Post-surgery / Scars
For pathologies and the rehabilitation of injuries: I will be working closely with your vet and if necessary with other professionals. This is to insure the best outcome possible for your horse.
N.B: This list is not complete. If you would like to know if equine osteopathy is right for your horse’s specific condition please feel free to contact me.
Canine osteopathy
I have created a list of common problems that canine osteopathy can help you and your dog with:
- Pain / discomfort: this can be to touch or when executing a movement (i.e.: refusal to jump in or out the car, to come on or off the sofa, jump obstacles, go around the weave poles, etc…)
- Change in behaviour (i.e.: aggressive behaviour caused by pain, lethargy, sudden “laziness”, refuses to go for a walk, etc…)
- Osteoarthritis (OA) / others joints problems / ligament injuries
- Lameness / Limp / or any other gait abnormality
- Muscle / Tendon injuries
- Back pain
- Poor performance
- Digestive problems / Poor coat quality
- Reproductive problems (fertility, hormonal issues)
- Pathologies such as hip or elbow dysplasia
- Post-surgery / Scars
- IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
- Headaches
In the case of a pathology or the rehabilitation of an injury, I will be working closely with your vet and if necessary with other professionals. This is to insure the best outcome possible for your dog.
N.B: This list is not complete. If you would like to know if canine osteopathy is right for your dog’s specific condition please feel free to contact me.
Other species
Even though I specialise in working with horses and dogs, I can also offer treatment to other animals including cows, goats, sheep, cats, and other small pets.
What to expect during a consultation?
Discussion
Questions about your horse / dog: sex, age, routine, environment, diet, medical history, training, etc…; their progress if I have seen them before.
Static observation
I will look at the conformation and posture, symmetry of the body, basically checking for anything that catches my eye.
Palpation
I will “scan” your horse / dog’s entire body with my hands, feeling for anything abnormal: quality of all tissues, temperature, tension (or lack of tension), swelling, etc…
This gives me an idea of what areas will need further investigation.
Dynamic observation
I will assess how your horse/ dog moves and uses his/her body, at different paces, performing different movements on different surfaces (if possible). I am always looking for areas of restriction and tension.
Tests / Diagnosis
I will assess the mobility of joints and organs by performing a series of tests. This gives me a clear idea of what is going on in your horse / dog’s body and allows me to create a treatment plan.
N.B: I may refer you to your veterinarian or another professional if I believe it is necessary.
Treatment / Manipulations
I will work on the restricted areas highlighted during my assessment. The treatment is tailored to your horse / dog’s specific needs. Some of the techniques I use:
- Joint mobilisations / manipulations,
- Muscle stretching,
- Myofascial release,
- Soft tissue techniques,
- Visceral techniques (applied to organs),
- Cranio-sacral techniques,
- And others.
Rehabilitation / Advice
In some cases, I will advise some rest, and possibly routine/management changes. I may give you an exercise plan or stretching routine to follow to complete my treatment.
Depending on the case, we will need to book a follow up session.
Pricing
Equine osteopathy
£80
Per SessionCanine osteopathy
£55
Per SessionFeline osteopathy
£45
Per SessionGroup discounts / other species - Please contact me for more info.
Contact Marina
Would you like to see the benefits of Animal Osteopathy for yourself?
I'm ready and available to answer your questions or book a consultation. Please get in touch using any of the methods listed below.
Online Enquiry Or call 07582862870Where do I operate?
I work all over Sussex and also travel to Kent and Surrey. I offer travel for a 20 miles radius from the business address (HOVE BN3) - a petrol surcharge will be added for anywhere further. Contact me for enquiries.
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