We’ve put together a list of questions commonly asked about animal osteopathy. If you are considering a career in animal osteopathy, you can find more information on the HOW TO BECOME AN ANIMAL OSTEOPATH page.
Why choose an animal osteopath?
Osteopathic care for animals offers a holistic approach to healing and is often seen as an alternative to medication or surgery.
How does osteopathy work?
Animal osteopathy is a gentle manual therapy that aims to remove tension and restrictions and encourage healing in the animal’s musculoskeletal system. The result is pain relief, improved function, and mobility.
Does osteopathic treatment require a referral?
No, a referral is usually not required to see an animal osteopath.
What type of education and training do animal osteopath have?
Training as an animal osteopath is a post-graduate specialization. It takes up to two years to complete an accredited program leading to a career in animal osteopathy. While many animal osteopaths are practicing members of the veterinary community. i.e. licensed veterinarians, nurses, or physiotherapists, others arrive at animal osteopathy after a career in human osteopathy or animal training.
What conditions are commonly treated by osteopathy?
Osteopathy has proven effective in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Stiffness and reduced mobility due to injury or aging
- Gait problems
- Changed behavior due to pain or trauma
- Aiding rehabilitation after injury
- Aiding rehabilitation in conditions such as arthritis, hindleg, and foreleg lameness
What is osteopathic assessment?
An osteopath uses their eyes (observation) and hands (touch) to identify tension or restriction in the musculoskeletal system. Engaging specific diagnostic techniques, an osteopath will assess the joints, muscles, and spine for causes of pain or poor performance. Based on this assessment, an animal osteopath will formulate a treatment plan.
What happens during osteopathic treatment?
An osteopath will gently work on the joints and muscles to improve blood flow and regulate nerve supply, rebalancing the body’s structures and restoring function. The objective of osteopathic treatment is to promote mobility, flexibility, and the quality of movement vital to every horse and dog.
Does osteopathic treatment prevent injuries?
Regular osteopathic care has shown to be successful in injury prevention and aiding rehabilitation in conditions such as arthritis, hind and foreleg lameness. Benefits of osteopathic manual therapy include an increase in vascular and lymphatic drainage, pain reduction, improvement in joint mobility and overall biomechanics, stress reduction, overall health, and longevity.
How do I find an osteopath near me?
Browse through the registry of osteopathic practitioners here.