O S T E O P A T H Y - A N I M A L S

OSTEOPATHY ANIMALS

Osteopathy for animals is a holistic treatment method that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems and their impact on the animal’s overall health and function. It is a manual therapy where the osteopath uses their hands to examine and treat the animal's body. Osteopaths for animals assess the connection between muscles, joints, connective tissue, the nervous system, and internal organs to promote the animal’s natural ability to heal itself.

Principles of Osteopathy for Animals

The animal body as a whole: All parts of the animal's body are interconnected and affect each other. An imbalance in one area can have a ripple effect on other areas.
Self-healing: The body of the animal has a natural ability to restore balance and heal itself when the conditions are favorable.
Structure and function: There is a close relationship between the animal’s body structure (bones, muscles, joints, connective tissue) and its function (movement, circulation, nerve activity).

What do osteopaths treat in animals?

Osteopathy for animals can help with a variety of conditions, including:

Back and neck pain: Common musculoskeletal issues such as stiffness, pain, or limited movement in the back and neck.
Joint problems: Issues with the animal’s joints, such as in the shoulders, hips, knees, or elbows.
Headaches and facial pain: These can be related to tension in the neck or jaw area, often seen in conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Sports or activity-related injuries: Injuries from overexertion, muscle strains, sprains, or joint issues in active animals.
Digestive issues: These can sometimes be linked to tension in the abdominal muscles or connective tissues that impact normal digestion.
Stress-related issues: Such as muscle tension, restlessness, or fatigue, often caused by stress or anxiety.

How does osteopathic treatment for animals work?

Assessment and diagnosis:
- A thorough consultation to understand the animal’s health, lifestyle, and any symptoms or concerns.
- Physical examination of the animal’s body, including movement analysis, muscle testing, and joint assessment.
Treatment:
- Manipulation: Joint adjustments to improve movement and reduce pain, making sure the treatment is comfortable and safe for the animal.
- Stretching: To release tension in muscles and connective tissue and improve flexibility.
- Soft tissue techniques: Gentle massage and pressure to loosen tissue and stimulate blood circulation, which helps to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
- Mobilization: Gentle movements to improve the range of motion, reduce stiffness, and support overall mobility.
Prevention and advice:
- Guidance on how to support the animal’s posture, mobility, and overall lifestyle to reduce the risk of future issues, and how to manage stress in the animal.

Osteopathy for animals takes a holistic approach, treating the entire body to address the root cause of the problems. It is a non-invasive (painless) and gentle therapy that can be used for a wide range of animal health concerns, promoting healing, comfort, and well-being.