Author Archives: Julia

Energy Work and Animal Patients: Beyond the Physical

By Chris Bates M.Ost, DipAO, EEBW, BHSAI

In the animal therapeutic industry, energy workers, Reiki healers, and other more esoteric practitioners have been present for a very long time. Considering the history of energy work, it could be argued that they were there first. Due to the nature of these disciplines, there is some scepticism from both owners and other practitioners as to the validity and effectiveness. On the other side of the coin, there are ardent supporters and regular users of these therapies who swear by the effects and sometimes have the treatment for themselves,s too.

In Osteopathy, we embrace approaches that suit the individual and have positive clinical effects, so it’s not surprising to know that there are some Animal Osteopaths who also use energy work in practice. This article aims to investigate the area of energy work and where it fits in the wider therapy industry.

The Ancient Origins of Energy Healing

There are a variety of practices that date back to ancient times from various locations across the world but all that share similarities in their theories and approach. The cultivation of proper energy flow throughout the body is seen within civilisations across the world, and the methods of doing so often look similar.

Prana and the Indian Tradition

In the ancient civilisations of India, techniques of bodily discipline and breathing were taught as a way of guiding the life force or “Prana” throughout the “Nadis,” which were channels for this energy. Gestures called mudras were used to direct and control these energy flows for both physical benefit and for spiritual progression. Much of these techniques can be seen in some Yoga classes today, but often a watered down version of that which was written in texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pridipika and Vedic scriptures.

Also coming from ancient Indian origins and linked with these physical techniques was the practice of ayurvedic medicine. This approach is closely linked with Yoga philosophy too. Ayurvedic practitioners/physicians work with the whole life cycle from pre-natal and birth to geriatric care. The ayurvedic theory of the three Doshas is a fundamental concept; these elemental qualities of being can be out of balance, and certain remedies, activities, or even spiritual pursuits can help to balance them.

Reiki: Japanese Universal Life Force Energy

Reiki is a prominent practice internationally, with its history in Japan. Dr Mikao Usui developed Reiki in the early 1900’s after he went on a 21 day meditation retreat in the mountains. Reiki literally translates as “universal life force energy” and is a process of the practitioner channeling this energy via themselves into a person, animal, or even events and distant healing. There is a focus on symbols that the practitioner uses to enhance healing or attune others to the energies so they may use them as well. These symbols were revealed to Dr Usui during his spiritual awakening and form a unique aspect of this discipline.

Ritual, Crystals, and Vibrational Healing

Some approaches to energy work include the use of crystals and other objects that may have ritual significance. Sound and vibration healing are sometimes incorporated into other healing work, and more research is being conducted into certain frequencies and their potential healing properties.

Ritual can be a defining aspect of some healing practices, and while there may be similarities between the theories, cultural and historical influences are seen in the ritualistic aspects. Crystals,s for example, are often placed in specific grids or locations over and around the body that correspond with certain intentions or desired effects.

In Reiki and some other practices, the locations of hand positions are governed (to an extent) by the “Chakras,s” which are energy centers of vortexes corresponding with various biological and spiritual functions. Chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit, and there are 7 main ones along the spine, with some traditions describing many other smaller ones throughout the body. These ritual ideas are often based on either trial and error over millennia of practice that is then described in the words and philosophy of the culture, or influenced by religious and spiritual texts.

How Does Energy Healing Work? The Science Behind the Practice

The basis of many energy therapies is one of a universal energy or spiritual interaction that cannot be measured directly by any instruments we currently have. This, of course, leaves space for great scepticism among the scientific community, and unfortunately, practitioners will find professional “push back” from some in the industry and the veterinary profession.

However, the real-life impacts and results that people report are undeniable. Whether the most effective component isa placebo or not, doesn’t really matter to patients. It would be very difficult to write off energy work on animals having a placebo effect, however intelligent we like to think our furry friends are.

Evidence for Reiki in Animal Studies

There is good evidence suggesting the calming effects of Reiki in animals, and practitioners often discuss the interaction with Reiki and increased parasympathetic tone. That “rest and digest” mode of the parasympathetic nervous system is demonstrated in papers such as Baldwin, Wager,s and Schwartz (2008), where Reiki was shown to significantly reduce the heart rate of rats exposed to noise stress.

Baldwin and Schwartz also found that microvascular leakage and damage due to noise induced stress was reduced with the application of Reiki in their earlier 2006 paper. The benefits of resistance to stress are obvious in either human or animal models and so if Reiki is boosting the resilience of the patient then this could have a dramatically beneficial role in wider veterinary care. Complementary therapies for chronic pain

Shiatsu: Finger Pressure and Meridian Therapy

Shiatsu is a therapy of Japanese origin that translates as “Finger pressure”. The practitioners use pressure to stimulate the flow of energy or “Ki” throughout the body. This Ki moves via channels known as meridians. The Ki is synonymous with the universal energy spoken about in other traditions and nourishes the physical body but also acts as the energy body’s equivalent of nerve, blood and lymph (with which we work as Osteopaths).

Some who seek a more scientific explanation have hypothesised that the meridians run congruently with major neural distributions and effect the same dermatomes and myotomes (cutaneous and muscular innervation). This could explain some of the positive effects on the physical body such as reduced pain sensitivity and muscle tension; there could even be a neural explanation for the more systemic objectives of meridian stimulation via somatovisceral pathways.

Some schools of Shiatsu also use the 5 element theory and this sits in a similar vein to the Indian Ayurvedic approach. The characteristics of elemental forces can be balanced by treatment, some of these characteristics can be attributed to the physical. Without the modern understanding of physiology and by a process of trial and error, it could be that these elemental forces were simply a way of explaining the symptoms that were present such as lethargy, fever or inflammation.

Where Osteopathy Meets Energy Work: A Holistic Integration

Osteopaths aim to offer information to the body to allow it to function optimally and maintain healthy homeostasis. We adjust the environment both external and internal which supports the mechanisms and materials of the body functions to reach balanced health. A discipline like Shiatsu would seem very similar in that it aims to remove blockages to the routes of energy flow. Osteopathy aims to alleviate the restrictions to blood supply, nerve conduction and lymphatic movement. It may even be that some of the Shiatsu interventions also impact these physical vessels too.

Universal Energy as Vital Input

The provision of healing methods that channel universal energy (Chi, Ki, Prana or any other description) would fit very well with Osteopathic principles too. Osteopaths see the animal patient as a whole entity and consider the inputs that being receives as part of their assessment. If we consider the beneficial effects that are clearly observed as shown in the research cited earlier, we can note this as adding to the animal’s general vitality and measure the outcomes while we use Osteopathic interventions to promote the same vital reserve.

Although the scope of the Osteopath, one of the growing holistic veterinary therapies, generally does not include in-depth nutrition plans (unless they are otherwise qualified), advice on balanced and beneficial feeding is certainly part of the service. This could be considered the application of an input in the same way that universal energy is. Perhaps the patient needs a balanced and appropriate diet for their constitution and activities the same way they need appropriate energy inputs via channelling.

Conclusion: Multiple Paths to Animal Health and Wellbeing

The goal of any therapist is to help the patient achieve health and wellbeing. Health and wellbeing look different for every patient and so the way to get there will look different too. The various professions and disciplines that treat animals and humans are simply looking at the route to health from different angles. There are many paths to the top of the metaphorical mountain. Integrative approach to animal welfare

To disregard any one path or point of view based on a lack of understanding is simply ignorant and it is pleasing to say that many Osteopaths are very open to collaboration with energy workers and may even be trained themselves. Osteopathy as a profession is a very open minded and forward thinking community. The evidence for energy work speaks for itself and it could be argued that healing is just as much evidence based medicine (EBM) as the more conventional material approaches.

Learn about the LCAO International Diploma in Animal Osteopathy program

FAQs

1. Does energy healing like Reiki actually work on animals?

Yes, scientific research demonstrates measurable benefits. Studies published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine show that Reiki significantly reduces stress responses in animals, including decreased heart rate and reduced cellular damage from stress. Since animals cannot experience placebo effects, these documented physiological changes provide compelling evidence for energy work’s therapeutic benefits.

2. Can osteopaths use energy work alongside manual therapy for animals?

Yes, many animal osteopaths integrate energy work into their practice as both disciplines share similar holistic philosophies. Energy modalities like Shiatsu work with meridians in ways that complement osteopathic principles of supporting blood flow, nerve function, and lymphatic drainage. This integrated approach can be particularly beneficial for anxious or stressed animals.

3. What is the difference between Reiki and Shiatsu for animals?

Reiki involves channeling universal life energy through light touch or hands held near the body, with no physical pressure applied. Shiatsu uses finger pressure on specific points along meridians (energy channels) to stimulate energy flow, similar to acupressure. Both promote relaxation and support healing, but Shiatsu is more physically hands-on whilst Reiki is primarily energetic.

References

Baldwin, A.L. and Schwartz, G.E. (2006). Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), [online] 12(1), pp.15–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.15.

Baldwin, A.L., Wagers, C. and Schwartz, G.E. (2008). Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), [online] 14(4), pp.417–422. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.0753.

Cardim, J.M., Braga, B.P., Santos, D.M., Quaresma, E.C., Thais, I., Da, S.V., Franklim, L., Junior, Dos, R., Dos, R., Rodrigues, D., Richer Praxedes Maia, Salgado, D. and Auzier, H. (2023). The Benefits of Shiatsu for a Holistic Approach to Health: A Systematic Review. Journal of advances in medicine and medical research, 35(23), pp.238–257. doi:https://doi.org/10.9734/jammr/2023/v35i235298.

Longhurst, J.C. (2010). Defining Meridians: A Modern Basis of Understanding. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, [online] 3(2), pp.67–74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s2005-2901(10)60014-3.

AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association)

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Chris Bates

Animal osteopathy is an exciting and expanding profession that brings osteopathic principles into the world of animal healthcare. Whether you’re already working with animals or transitioning from human osteopathy, this guide explains how to become an animal osteopath, the educational pathways available, and what to expect in terms of professional requirements and career opportunities.

What Is Animal Osteopathy?

Animal osteopathy applies hands-on osteopathic principles to animals, supporting balance, mobility, and overall well-being. Practitioners assess the animal’s body as a whole — understanding how structure, function, and movement are interlinked.

Common areas of focus include:

• Equine osteopathy: enhancing the performance and comfort of horses
• Canine osteopathy: helping dogs recover from injury, age-related changes, or musculoskeletal tension

Graduates in this field often work alongside veterinarians and other allied professionals, offering a holistic contribution to animal care.

Understanding the Role of an Animal Osteopath

Animal osteopaths use palpation, observation, and gentle manual techniques to identify restrictions in the body that may affect comfort, movement, or performance. They work with a wide range of cases — from rehabilitation and maintenance care to supporting performance animals.

Typical Responsibilities

• Conducting detailed postural and gait assessments
• Applying osteopathic techniques to restore mobility and balance
• Liaising with veterinarians and owners
• Advising on aftercare, exercise, and prevention

Educational Pathways to Become an Animal Osteopath

Meet the Entry Requirements

Before enrolling, most institutions require a foundation in anatomy, physiology, or a related health or science discipline.
Depending on the programme level, you may need:

• A background in human osteopathy, veterinary medicine, or animal therapy
• Previous experience working with animals

For newcomers, introductory courses can help bridge the gap before moving on to professional certification.

Choose a Recognised Animal Osteopathy Certification

Selecting the right animal osteopathy certification is one of the most important steps. A quality programme will combine theory, evidence-based practice, and extensive hands-on experience.

At the London College of Animal Osteopathy (LCAO), students follow structured training designed to meet both academic and professional standards.

LCAO currently offers:

• A Higher Diploma in Animal Osteopathy, recognised as UK Level 5 by UK Rural Skills, prepares graduates for hands-on practice and clinical application.
• A UK university-accredited Level 6 course, which will soon be available for enrolment, and offers advanced academic recognition.
• A RACE-approved veterinary osteopathy course, providing CE credits for veterinarians and veterinary technicians seeking continuing education in osteopathic principles for animals.

These qualifications combine scientific foundations with practical osteopathic training, ensuring graduates are fully equipped to practise safely and effectively.

Gain Clinical Experience

Practical experience is at the heart of every osteopathic education. Under expert supervision and tutoring, students develop confidence in:

• Assessing live animal cases
• Applying appropriate osteopathic techniques
• Understanding when to treat — and when to refer

At LCAO, clinical training with both horses and dogs allows students to refine their palpation skills, case reasoning, and treatment planning in real-world scenarios.

Understand Professional and Legal Requirements

The animal osteopathy requirements for practice differ depending on the country or state if you are in the United States. In some regions, animal osteopaths work under veterinary referral or registration frameworks. Before practising, check your local regulations and any professional body guidelines that apply.

Animal Osteopath Salary and Career Outlook

Earning Potential

The animal osteopath salary varies depending on location, experience, specialisation, and whether you work independently or within a veterinary or rehabilitation setting.

• Entry-level practitioners: £25,000–£35,000 GBP annually
• Experienced practitioners: £40,000–£60,000+
• Specialists or educators: potentially higher earnings

Many osteopaths develop flexible careers — combining clinical practice with teaching, research, or consultancy.

Career Opportunities

Qualified professionals may work in:

• Equine or canine rehabilitation centres
• Veterinary practices or sports teams
• Private clinics
• Academic and training institutions

As awareness of animal manual therapies continues to grow globally, so too does demand for qualified animal osteopaths.

Continuing Professional Development

Ongoing learning is central to maintaining high standards of care and animal welfare. Graduates are encouraged to continue refining their skills through workshops, advanced training, and research engagement.

LCAO supports lifelong learning through its Alumni and support from its instructors even after course completion.

This ensures practitioners remain current, confident, and competent in their field.

Summary: Your Path to Becoming an Animal Osteopath

To summarise, here’s the typical pathway:

1. Meet the academic and practical entry requirements
2. Enroll in a recognised animal osteopathy certification, such as LCAO’s Level 5 Higher Diploma
3. Complete supervised clinical training
4. Advance to higher-level qualifications, such as the upcoming university-accredited Level 6 course
5. Continue professional development through  CPD or CE courses or advanced studies

Becoming an animal osteopath combines hands-on skill, scientific understanding, and compassion for animals. With structured training and professional support from institutions like the London College of Animal Osteopathy, you can build a rewarding and internationally recognised career improving the lives of animals through osteopathic care.

By Siun Griffin

Autumn is sometimes thought of as a “safe” season for horses after the spring grass surge – but in many regions, it brings its own laminitis risks that are easily missed. Here we’ll take a look at why autumn can be hazardous, what usually causes laminitis at this time of year, modern veterinary treatments and hoof-management strategies, which practitioners should be involved, and a realistic, evidence-based take on when osteopathy can be appropriate during recovery.

Why autumn is risky (and which risks are often overlooked)

Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) spikes in pasture
Grasses store carbohydrates (starch and fructans) in stems and roots. Warm, sunny days followed by cool nights – a common pattern in both spring and autumn – can raise fructan and sugar levels in pasture plants. High pasture NSC is a well-recognized trigger for pasture-associated laminitis in insulin-sensitive horses and ponies. Owners often focus on spring grass, but the same physiological plant responses make some autumn pastures risky too.

Management changes and “autumn flush” misconceptions
After hot, dry summers, a period of autumn rain and moderate temperatures can produce a sudden flush of leafy growth. Owners who relax grazing restrictions in autumn (thinking the risk is over) can inadvertently expose susceptible animals to high-NSC forage. Guidance is to monitor pasture NSC risk periods and manage turnout accordingly.

Endocrine causes remain the dominant factor
Across seasons, most laminitis cases in many populations are linked to insulin dysregulation (equine metabolic syndrome and PPID/Cushing’s). Autumn does not change that biology, but seasonal weight changes, feed changes, and grazing behaviour can interact with existing insulin dysregulation to precipitate an episode. In other words, autumn acts as a trigger on top of metabolic susceptibility.

Owners miss subtle early signs
Autumn laminitis is sometimes less dramatic than an acute overload case (eg, grain overload). Instead, owners may see mild foot soreness, changes in gait, short-stridedness on hard ground, or a “not quite right” attitude. Because the classic rocking-back laminitic stance or bounding digital pulses are not always present early, early cases may be missed or misinterpreted. Early veterinary assessment matters.

Common autumn precipitating mechanisms

• Pasture-associated (forage high in fructans/NSC) – sudden exposure to high-NSC grass.
• Insulin dysregulation (EMS) and PPID – chronic endocrine predisposition; autumn can be the season where management changes reveal the problem.
• Obesity/weight gain through summer – autumn – more weight increases lamellar loading and risk.
• Systemic disease/sepsis / grain overload/steroid administration – less season-specific but always important to consider.

Modern veterinary treatment: principles and evidence

Laminitis is a veterinary emergency. Once clinical signs appear, damage to the lamellae is already underway; treatment focuses on stopping progression, controlling pain, protecting the foot, and addressing the underlying cause. Key components:

Immediate veterinary assessment and triage
Rapid evaluation by a veterinarian determines severity, likely cause (endocrine vs inflammatory), and immediate steps (analgesia, stall rest, feeding management). Radiographs (podiatry views) are often taken early to document rotation/sinking and guide farriery.

Analgesia and anti-inflammatory management
NSAIDs (eg, phenylbutazone or flunixin) are commonly used to control pain; more severe pain may require multimodal analgesia under veterinary guidance. Acepromazine has historically been used in some protocols, but treatment must be individualized.

Dietary and management changes
For pasture-associated or endocrine cases: immediate removal from dangerous pasture, provision of low-NSC forage (soaked or tested hay, haylage with known low NSC), and strict weight management. For endocrine disease, long-term medical management (eg, pergolide for PPID) is indicated when diagnosed.

Foot protection and mechanical support (farriery)
Farriery is central to limit mechanical trauma to the lamellae: deep, supportive bedding; frog/sole support (eg, impression material, pads); therapeutic trimming and specialized shoes (eg, heart bar, aluminium or foam supports) in subacute/chronic cases. Close vet–farrier cooperation is critical: radiographs guide trimming/shoeing plans and the timing of interventions.

Cryotherapy (digital hypothermia) — evolving, promising evidence
Experimental and clinical studies indicate that continuous, prolonged cooling of the distal limb (ice-water immersion or specialized cryotherapy devices) can markedly reduce lamellar injury if applied early. The strongest experimental evidence shows substantial protective effects when applied promptly; systematic reviews conclude the evidence is encouraging but call for further randomized clinical trials. Recent device developments (commercial cryotherapy systems and dry cryotherapy sleeves) improve feasibility in clinical practice. Cryotherapy is best directed by a veterinarian who understands timing, duration, and logistics.

Supportive medical care for systemic causes
If laminitis follows sepsis, endotoxaemia, or grain overload, treating the primary disease (fluids, antimicrobials where indicated, anti-endotoxin measures) is essential to reduce further lamellar injury.

Who should be involved — the full practitioner team

Effective laminitis care is multidisciplinary. The core team typically includes:

• Veterinarian (primary clinician) — diagnosis, analgesia, metabolic testing (insulin, ACTH), medical management, radiographs, directing cryotherapy, and overall care plan.
• Farrier/hoof care specialist — therapeutic trimming and shoeing, sole/frog support, regular podiatry follow-up. Their timing and technique must align with the veterinarian’s assessment and radiographic findings.
• Veterinary nurse/technician — monitoring, bandage/ice boot application, medication administration, owner education.
• Equine physiotherapist/rehabilitation specialist — once the horse is stable and weight-bearing, formal rehabilitation (controlled exercise, strengthening, balance work) can be implemented under veterinary guidance. Evidence is growing for structured rehab, but protocols must be individualized.
• Nutritionist / veterinary nutrition advisor — for testing and planning low-NSC diets and long-term weight management.

Communication between these professionals and with the owner is repeatedly emphasised in the veterinary literature as a major determinant of outcome. Early engagement of a farrier and clear role-sharing with the veterinarian improve decision-making and owner compliance.

Osteopathy: when and when not to use it

Short answer: Osteopathic or other manual therapy can have a place as an adjunct in recovery, but only after the veterinary team has stabilised the laminitic foot and given clearance. There is limited direct, high-quality evidence for osteopathy specifically in laminitis, but there is veterinary literature supporting manual therapies for musculoskeletal dysfunction and gait issues more broadly. Use the following practical rules:

Do not use manual/osteopathic treatments in the acute, unstable phase.
While the foot is inflamed, painful, and at risk of ongoing lamellar failure, manipulation that encourages movement or weight-bearing changes (or that distracts from necessary stall rest and controlled support) is inappropriate. Acute management must be veterinary-led (analgesia, cryotherapy, mechanical support).

Once the horse is stable, weight-bearing, and cleared by the vet, osteopathy may help with secondary musculoskeletal issues.
After the laminitic event has been contained and mechanical hoof support established, many horses develop compensatory tension, altered posture, gait asymmetries, and back, sacro-iliac, or cervical dysfunction. Veterinary peer-reviewed articles show that spinal manipulation/osteopathic techniques can alter gait and address somatic dysfunction in horses. Manual therapies are a component of rehabilitation programs used by equine physiotherapists and osteopaths to restore functional symmetry, range of motion, and comfort. However, the evidence base is still small and mostly supportive rather than definitive.

Coordinate care: osteopaths must work under veterinary direction and in partnership with the farrier.
Any manual therapy plan should be integrated with ongoing farriery and veterinary monitoring (radiographs, lameness assessment). For example, changes in hoof mechanics after trimming or shoeing can alter the loading of limb segments; osteopathic work should reflect those mechanical realities. Communication and shared records are essential.

Be conservative with techniques that change limb loading or encourage early return to intense activity.
Rehabilitation after laminitis prioritises a gradual return to controlled exercise only after radiographic and clinical signs permit. Osteopathic treatment should support that goal — relieve compensatory muscle tension, encourage normal movement patterns in a carefully staged program — not shortcut it.

Practical autumn prevention checklist

• Test hay/pasture NSC if possible, or follow local extension/veterinary advice about risky times. Restrict turnout when pastures are likely high in sugars (often late morning to afternoon; avoid flushes after rain following drought).

• Identify at-risk animals (obese, cresty neck, history of laminitis, PPID/EMS) and implement stricter grazing control year-round.

• Maintain a weight-management plan and consult a nutritionist/veterinarian for low-NSC forage options.

• Build a veterinary–farrier relationship before problems occur; podiatry radiographs and a pre-agreed emergency plan save crucial time.

Bottom line

Autumn carries real laminitis hazards that are sometimes underestimated. The pathophysiology is usually endocrine (insulin dysregulation) with pasture or management changes acting as the trigger; pasture NSC/fructan spikes in cool nights/warmer days are a key mechanism. Prompt veterinary assessment, coordinated farriery, diet and weight control, and (where indicated) targeted treatments such as distal limb cryotherapy and medical management are the evidence-based pillars of care. Osteopathy and other manual therapies can be useful later in recovery to address compensatory musculoskeletal problems — but only as part of a coordinated, vet-led rehabilitation plan and not as a substitute for veterinary or farrier interventions.

Q1: Why is autumn considered a risky season for laminitis in horses?

Autumn pastures can be deceptively dangerous. During warm days followed by cool nights, grasses accumulate sugars and fructans (non-structural carbohydrates) that predispose insulin-dysregulated horses to laminitis. Owners sometimes assume the risk ends after spring, but the “autumn flush” of new grass and relaxed grazing restrictions can be just as hazardous. Horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), PPID, or excess weight are particularly vulnerable.

Q2: What is the recommended modern treatment approach for a horse with acute laminitis?

Laminitis is a veterinary emergency. Current best practice includes immediate veterinary assessment, pain relief (usually NSAIDs), strict stall rest, and mechanical hoof support guided by radiographs. In suitable cases, cryotherapy (continuous digital hypothermia) can reduce lamellar injury if applied early. Long-term care involves weight and diet management (low-NSC forage), treatment of underlying endocrine disease (eg, pergolide for PPID), and close collaboration between vet and farrier for therapeutic trimming or shoeing.

Q3: Can osteopathy or manual therapy be used to help horses recovering from laminitis?

Not during the acute phase — when the foot is unstable and painful, only veterinary and farriery treatments are appropriate. However, once the horse is stable, weight-bearing, and cleared by a veterinarian, osteopathy may help address compensatory back or limb tension caused by altered posture and movement. It should always be integrated into a vet-led rehabilitation plan and coordinated with ongoing farriery adjustments.

By Siun Griffin

Enrichment is an essential component of canine well-being, but not all activities are appropriate for every dog. For the educated practitioner, recognising red flags and adapting plans is critical – not only to prevent injury but also to ensure that enrichment complements, rather than conflicts with, osteopathic care.

Why Contraindications Matter

Enrichment introduces variability in movement and environment, which is generally beneficial for tissue health and neural stimulation. However, in dogs with underlying musculoskeletal dysfunction, systemic illness, or pain-related behaviour, some activities can exacerbate problems. Overlooking these considerations risks compromising both physical integrity and recovery.

Key Red Flags Before Recommending Enrichment

1. Acute Lameness or Sudden Postural Changes
   If a dog presents with new or worsening lameness, reluctance to bear weight, or asymmetrical posture, enrichment involving dynamic movement, such as balance work or tug games, should be avoided until a full assessment is performed. These signs may indicate joint pathology, muscle tear, or neurological involvement that requires veterinary evaluation.
2. Signs of Pain During Activity
   Yawning, lip licking, tail tucking, or freezing mid-activity are subtle yet significant indicators of discomfort. Persisting despite these behaviours can lead to tissue overload, increased fascial tension, and compensatory strain. Activities should be paused and adapted to reduce intensity or eliminated altogether.
3. Neurological Concerns
   Dogs showing ataxia, knuckling, or delayed proprioceptive responses should not engage in unstable surface work or agility-based enrichment. These activities require precise neuromuscular control and can increase the risk of falls or further neurological compromise.
4. Excessive Fatigue or Stress
   Cognitive enrichment is beneficial, but prolonged problem-solving tasks can heighten stress in anxious dogs. Similarly, physically demanding enrichment in unfit or geriatric dogs can lead to muscular fatigue and joint overload. Monitoring duration and intensity is essential.

Activity-Specific Contraindications

• Proprioceptive Equipment: Avoid in dogs with acute spinal issues, significant joint laxity (e.g., severe hip dysplasia), or post-surgical instability.
• Tug Games: Contraindicated in dogs with cervical pain, temporomandibular dysfunction, or recent dental work.
• Fetch or Jumping Activities: Should not be recommended for dogs with forelimb lameness, elbow dysplasia, or advanced osteoarthritis due to repetitive concussive loading.
• Puzzle Toys: While generally safe, they may cause frustration in dogs with cognitive decline or those exhibiting compulsive behaviours – requiring careful observation.

Integrating Clinical Reasoning with Osteopathic Principles

The osteopathic approach emphasises the body’s ability to self-regulate and adapt – but only when conditions allow. Introducing enrichment during acute inflammatory stages or when pain inhibits normal motion can disrupt this process. Instead, enrichment should be phased in gradually, following tissue recovery and restoration of baseline mobility.

When to Refer Before Proceeding

Persistent pain, progressive neurological signs, systemic lethargy, or unexplained behavioural shifts warrant veterinary referral before implementing enrichment. Collaboration with the primary care veterinarian ensures that underlying pathology is addressed prior to introducing activities designed to enhance functional adaptability.

Final Thoughts

Enrichment is powerful, but not universally benign. Its effectiveness depends on timing, individualisation, and clinical judgment. By applying osteopathic principles alongside evidence-informed caution, practitioners can ensure that enrichment serves as a tool for healing and resilience rather than an unintended source of harm.

The practice of osteopathy has long been associated with human health, focusing on structural balance, functional movement, and the intricate relationship between body systems. However, in recent years, there has been growing recognition of the profound benefits osteopathic principles can bring to the care of animals. For qualified human osteopaths, this represents a unique and expanding opportunity: the ability to transfer core knowledge and skills into an area with high demand and limited supply.

Why Animal Osteopathy Needs You

Animal osteopathy is a rapidly developing discipline, but the number of trained practitioners remains small compared to demand. Across Europe, North America, and beyond, there are relatively few specialists offering osteopathic care to horses, dogs, and other companion or performance animals. At the same time, awareness among owners, trainers, and veterinarians is increasing. They are seeking complementary, non-invasive approaches that improve musculoskeletal health, enhance performance, and support recovery from injury.

The reality is clear: while human osteopathy is well established, animal osteopathy is still in its growth phase, and there are more animals in need than practitioners available. This shortage translates into a genuine opportunity for qualified osteopaths who want to diversify their careers, broaden their client base, and contribute to a field that is still defining its future standards.

The Transferable Skills You Already Have

The transition from human to animal osteopathy is more natural than many assume. Core osteopathic principles – structure-function interdependence, and the body’s inherent ability to self-heal – apply across species. Your expertise in palpation, tissue assessment, and biomechanical analysis gives you a strong foundation.

However, working with animals requires additional knowledge: comparative anatomy, species-specific biomechanics, behavior, and safe handling techniques. These elements form the bridge between what you already know and what you need to learn. The good news? Many of the diagnostic reasoning skills, clinical thinking, and manual techniques you use every day remain highly relevant, simply adapted for a quadruped rather than a biped.

Why Adding Animal Osteopathy Makes Sense

For practitioners, expanding into animal osteopathy offers both professional and personal benefits:

• Diversification of Practice: Adding animals to your caseload can make your business more resilient and adaptable, particularly in times when human clinical demand fluctuates.
• Intellectual Challenge: Working across species demands critical thinking and a deeper appreciation of functional anatomy, keeping your skills sharp and your work stimulating.
• Meeting a Real Need: Whether it’s improving a horse’s gait, reducing pain in a senior dog, or aiding post-operative recovery, your interventions can make a profound difference to animal welfare.
• Professional Satisfaction: Many practitioners describe animal work as deeply rewarding. The visible, often rapid changes in comfort and mobility can be striking, and the bond between animal and practitioner is unique.

Is It Right for You?

Transitioning to animal osteopathy does require formal training. Responsible practice means understanding not only anatomy and biomechanics but also the ethical and legal frameworks for working with animals in your region. In most countries, animal osteopaths work collaboratively with veterinarians and other allied professionals, ensuring a high standard of care.

For those willing to undertake the additional learning, the rewards are significant. You will join a small but growing community of professionals shaping the future of integrative animal healthcare, while maintaining the essence of what drew you to osteopathy in the first place: restoring balance, supporting function, and promoting wellbeing.

A Growing Field with Room to Grow

The shortage of trained animal osteopaths is not a temporary gap, it is a systemic need. Companion animals are living longer, equestrian sports are more competitive, and owners are increasingly informed and proactive about preventive care. These factors point to sustained demand for skilled practitioners who can bridge the worlds of human and animal osteopathy.

If you are an osteopath ready for your next challenge, consider this: the principles you already master are universal. What changes is the application, and the patients, who may wag their tails or whinny their thanks.