What is Animal Osteopathy?
Animal osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that is used to treat a variety of conditions in animals, including musculoskeletal pain, joint dysfunction, and soft tissue injuries. Like human osteopathy, animal osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that optimal health can be achieved by removing obstacles to this natural healing process.
Animal osteopaths use a variety of manual techniques to assess and treat the body, including gentle mobilization of joints, the release of muscle and fascial tension, and manipulation of soft tissues. By addressing these underlying issues, animal osteopaths can help to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health and well-being in animals.
Animal osteopathy is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional veterinary medicine. It can be particularly effective in cases where traditional treatments have not been successful or have caused unwanted side effects. Animal osteopathy is a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Animal osteopaths work closely with pet owners and veterinarians to develop individualized treatment plans that address each animal's unique needs and goals. Animal osteopathy is a gentle and effective form of therapy that can benefit a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and other domestic and farm animals.
"When you have adjusted the physical to its normal demands, Nature supplies the remainder."
Dr. Andrew Taylor Still
Founder of Osteopathy
Animal osteopathy is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional veterinary medicine. It can be particularly effective in cases where traditional treatments have not been successful or have caused unwanted side effects. Animal osteopathy is a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Animal osteopaths work closely with pet owners and veterinarians to develop individualized treatment plans that address each animal's unique needs and goals. Animal osteopathy is a gentle and effective form of therapy that can benefit a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and other domestic and farm animals.
Osteopathic Treatment
Consistent mobility is vital to a horse or a dog: it is the basis of everything an animal lives for. An osteopath will assess the reasons for pain using specific diagnostic techniques and provide appropriate treatment.
Assessment
A horse or a dog communicates pain or physical discomfort by displaying behavior changes and decreased performance. Therapy begins by observing how the animal moves and examining the soft tissue and joints for a cause of restriction or pain.
Prevention
The primary benefit of osteopathy is improving animals’ overall health and agility. Regular osteopathic care has proven to help prevent injuries and enhance performance in top competitors, ‘leisure’ animals, and family pets.
Treatment
An osteopath will gently work on tissues and fascia using specific techniques to improve blood flow and regulate nerve supply. The ultimate goal is to return the animal to functional movement vital to every horse and dog.
Common Conditions
| Equine: | Canine: |
|---|---|
| Back and neck problems | Arthritis and lameness |
| Problems with posture | Spinal issues |
| Change in behavior | Loss of performance |
| Poor performance | Mobility problems |
| Musculoskeletal injuries | Injuries from training |