Animal Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy for Animals?
Osteopathy is a system of examination, diagnosis
and treatment, which uses the movement of the
body, to correct structural changes within the animal
to help maintain and restore normal function. It is
a holistic therapy which aims to treat the tissues
causing the symptoms at the same time looking for
and treating the root cause of the problem.

How does it work?
Animals, just like humans suffer back, neck and
muscular injuries from trips, falls and bumps,
causing pain, stiffness and loss of mobility,lack of
performance and even behavioural changes. And
just like humans, they benefit from osteopathic
treatment. The treatment with Elaine consists of a
variety of techniques, including articulation of joints,
soft tissue work, stretching, fascial release, cranio
sacral therapy and manipulation, if appropriate.

What does it treat?
Osteopathy can be beneficial for a wide variety of
conditions and problems within the animal. Below
are just a few examples that have been treated
successfully.
Arthritis,
Joint pain and stiffness,
Back and neck pain,
Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries,
Repetitive use injuries,
Behavioural problems

What to expect
Prior to your pet’s visit Elaine will ask for your
permission to consult your vet to obtain any
necessary information on their medical history
that could influence the treatment. During the
appointment an extensive case history of your
pet will be taken including details of the injury or
change in behaviour and overall medical history.
During the physical examination Elaine will observe
the natural movement of your pet and then
manually palpate and articulate various joints of
the body to elicit areas of reduced mobility, muscle
spasm, wasting, inflammation and pain. During a
consultation the animal is checked from the feet
upwards and from the nose to the tail, so it is all
encompassing. In many cases an animal has learnt
to compensate from an old injury in the leg for
example and over time this manifests itself into
pain elsewhere i.e. along the spine. In such cases
the area of pain and the root cause is treated.

Is it painful?
Treatment will not hurt your pet, in fact most animals
enjoy the experience and become increasingly
relaxed as treatment progresses. Many different
techniques are available ranging from soft tissue
massage, gentle articulation of joints and limbs,
traction, joint mobilisation and cranio-sacral
therapy.

How long is the treatment ?
Treatments last up to 30 minutes , however, your
first consultation may be closer to 45 minutes.

How many sessions ?
Most conditions respond within 3 treatments,
usually at weekly intervals unless acute when they
may be seen twice a week.
Elaine regularly combines osteopathic treatments
with acupuncture and laser therapy to obtain the
maximum recovery in the shortest time possible.

For more information and appointments email: peaceclinic@me.com