Mctimoney Animal Manipulation is a non-invasive technique developed by John McTimoney who was a human chiropractor, who felt that all vertebrates should benefit from his adjustments and started using his adjustments on animals in the 1950’s. The techniques are mainly used on cats, dogs and horses.

A case history will be taken, which includes any occurrence of past injury, change in behaviour and the animal’s exercise routine. Then careful analysis and assessment is made of the spine, pelvis and any other relevant joints to look for any misalignments caused by muscle spasm in the associated muscles. The animals gait may also be assessed because misalignments can lead to compensatory actions in the animals’ movement.

Problem areas are treated with precise and rapid adjustments to correct misalignments with the aim of releasing the surrounding muscle spasm and therefore restore the motion of a joint that has been fixed into a restricted range. Sports massage is then used to manipulate the surrounding soft tissue.

The horse is naturally an elite athlete and is able to run faster and longer than any of the other domesticated species. Horses seem to be naturally amenable to working with humans. Amongst other qualities they lend us their speed and an inquisitive nature which allow us to enjoy the beauty and excitement of a large variety of competitive and recreational equine sports.

Equine sports massage is the therapeutic application of professional sports massage techniques to the horse. This is a hands-on technique which helps to increase performance levels and endurance, as well as helping to reduce the risk of injury, fatigue or strain. Few human athletes would compete without preparing their bodies for an event, either by doing warm up stretches or through massage, the same can apply to any horse. Post event massage can help to relieve the body of the accumulation of excess lactic acid.

Massage and manipulation is not confined to the sports or competition animal. It can be used on retired animals, those recovering from injury or young animals which are coming into work. In general, animals which compete in all disciplines would benefit from the sports massage and manipulation therapy. In competitive equine sports, each discipline places its own demands on the body systems of both the horse and rider. The therapy used is therefore adapted according to the needs of that particular animal.

The ultimate aim is to achieve a supple musculature which allows the animal to work in correct balance, in whatever discipline they do. In the case of the equine, over 60% of a horse’s bodyweight is muscle so there is little surprise in the fact that musculoskeletal problems occur which can lead to incorrect movement patterns and training setbacks. Muscular injuries and disturbance of the spinal column anatomy are one of the most common sources of lameness today.

Musculoskeletal problems can lead to compensatory problems, as other muscles are relied on to take on extra work which in turn can strain their tendons and ligaments creating an adverse knock-on effect throughout the body’s system.

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