What is animal osteopathy?
Animal osteopathy is a holistic approach to whole body health and musculoskeletal issues through non-invasive manual therapy. It is complementary to veterinary care, and should not replace routine veterinary check ups.
Animals, like humans, can experience muscle and joint pain, especially as they grow, explore, play, and enter their senior years. Osteopathic manual therapy can support their well-being, and improve their quality of life.
Osteopathic manual therapy is a principles based approach to any body, animals and humans alike, this is possible through a strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology. From my perspective animal osteopathy looks very similar to what I do with my humans, but from the outside it might just look like I’m hanging out, petting, and hugging your little cutie. This is because animals are more sensitive than us! Think of a fly landing on us, versus them. They have nerves that can pinpoint where the fly is and twitch a tiny bit of fur to get the fly to leave. We on the other hand, might not feel the fly, or if we do we have to use our hands, or a big movement to swat the fly away. Osteopathic manual therapy treatments are always tailored to the individual I’m working with.
It’s not just about fixing problems! Osteopathic manual therapy is a great way to maintain health and prevent minor issues from becoming big injuries. If the body has a few asymmetries, or restrictions, a small injury could land in an already weak anatomical spot. This could turn into a big injury, or take longer to heal than expected. A few weeds are easier to take care of than an overgrown forest! It's important to note that Animal Osteopathy is not a replacement for routine veterinary care. Instead, it works in harmony with your veterinarian's treatment plan.
What can animal osteopathy treat?
Sports injuries
Constipation
Some behavioral issues
Spinal Asymmetries
Gait issues
Limping
Aging problems, arthritis, and stiffness
Joint, neck, and back pain
Hip and limb pain
Post-operative support
What to expect at an animal osteopathy appointment
We will start by chatting about your animal's health history, including injuries, surgeries, changes in behavior, overall health and lifestyle.
Then I’ll do a thorough assessment, I’ll check for big and small motion preferences, asymmetries, and muscular and fascial imbalances. Treatment is tailored to the animal, considering their age, activities, and my structural findings. This is to ensure that your dog gets the care that's just right for them.
Once we have a clear picture of what's going on, we'll chat about next steps.
What to expect after the appointment
After a treatment, your animal might feel a bit like they've had a full day of play at the park – a little tired, but potentially also a little invigorated. This is because treatments initiate physiological changes - aka the healing process - in your animal’s body.
To help your animal make the most of the treatment, I recommend some well-deserved rest for 1-2 days after the treatment. It's their time to recharge, so after 24h they will let you know when they are ready to get back to playing. Don't worry, we will chat about how to make your dog's rest and recovery comfortable.
As we move forward, we'll discuss follow-up treatments, and if they are needed. Follow-up treatments depend on your dog's history and the specific condition we're addressing. I’m here to ensure your dog's well-being, every step of the way!
Follow Ups
How often your dog should come in for a check-up really depends on their unique story. Their history, age, and the activities they're into all play a role.
Take agility dogs, for example. Their rigorous training can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal imbalances. Regular treatment can be a game-changer, helping them perform at their best and avoiding pesky injuries. It's all about keeping them in tip-top shape.
Now, our older, wiser animal friends often benefit from more frequent check-ups than their younger counterparts. These regular treatments help improve their mobility and keep stiffness at bay. We might recommend annual check-ups, maintenance treatments, or even a pre-competition or event tune-up to keep your animal feeling their best.