ABOUT McTIMONEY THERAPY
McTimoney Manipulators are secondary care providers and work closely with, and with the permission of, an individual’s veterinary surgeon.

The McTimoney technique was created by John McTimoney for the treatment of humans and then adapted for use on animals in the 1960s. McTimoney treatments are holistic, aiming to optimise the functioning of the nervous system.

A horse or dog’s spinal column, running from head to tail, comprises a series of small bones known as vertebrae, each one separated from the next by an intervertebral disc, allowing each vertebra some independent movement. The spinal cord, part of the central nervous system, is housed and protected within the main body of each vertebra, running from the skull to the rump. Exiting from the spinal cord, between each veterbra, peripheral nerves are responsible for innervating both the locomotory system and the internal body organs. Any movement or misalignment of vertebrae, however small, may cause compression or impingement of nerves and therefore affect the ability of the body to transmit nervous signals effectively.

Manipulative therapy treats misalignments which are compromising vertebral joint integrity. Treatment is safe and effective. Adjustments made are gentle and use speed rather than force to encourage the innate alignment of the spinal column. McTimoney therapy is readily accepted and enjoyed by most animals.

There are many circumstances that can give rise to misalignments, below are a few common causes:

HORSES
• A slip, trip or fall in the field, in transport or under saddle
• Poorly fitting tack or an unbalanced rider
• Farriery or dentist problems
• Becoming cast in a stable or entangled in fencing
• An altered gait due to injury or chronic locomotory changes
• Foaling

DOGS
• A slip, trip or fall at home or whilst being exercised
• Pulling on a collar, Halti or harness during exercise
• Rough play with companions or toys
• Athletic injuries in working, racing and agility dogs
• An altered gait due to injury or chronic locomotory changes
• Whelping

Symptoms that treatment might be beneficial:
Animals suffering vertebral misalignments can display a variety of symptoms, some more subtle than others:
  • Behavioural changes
  • Reluctance to exercise
  • Decreased performance
  • Altered gait or way of going
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