No two treatments will be the same with Polly assessing each horse as an individual and performing a treatment appropriate to what is found.
The basis of the treatment revolves around 6 stages –
1. Case history of the animal
I will spend some time with a new client discussing the history of the animal in order to determine what health conditions the animal has had in the past or is currently experiencing and to identify the normal exercise regime and activities the animal enjoys.
2. Dynamic assessment of gait and biomechanics
This will involve watching the animal move, both in walk and in trot, turning in tight circles and backing up. I will identify gait abnormalities, asymmetries and stiffness. This will help give a clearer indication as to the location of any issues. When a problem is occurring on the lunge or under saddle I may also ask to see the horse ridden/lunged.
3. An explanation of the treatment
I will then explain how the treatment works, how I thinks it will help your horse and what you can expect during and after treatment
4. Static palpation and assessment
I will then palpate over the animals body using only my hands, feeling for muscle tension, misalignments, muscular spasms, asymmetries and
discomfort. I will also assess the horse’s conformation to allow me to consider why any discomfort may have occurred.
5. The treatment
The McTimoney treatment is done only by hand and consists of fast but low thrust adjustments to specific areas which release muscle spasm, alleviate pain and return the joints to their normal range of motion. This would be combined with soft tissue massage and stretching for optimum effect.
6. Aftercare advice
After treatment the animal may be stiff, tired or may feel instantly ten times better. It is impossible to know how an animal having McTimoney treatment for the first time will react. This is due to the body changing over the following 24-48 hours readjusting to the new way of feeling. I will give relevant aftercare advise which will include at least one day off and normally a gradual return to work over the next week. If you have any shows or important rides planned it is important that you discuss these with me prior to treatment. I will also recommend stretches and exercises which I feel would benefit the animal as well as relevant advice surrounding tack fit, shoeing etc. In order to maximise the effects of the treatment it is important the aftercare advice is followed by the animal’s owner.
Depending on what is found and the nature of the problem, the animal may require a follow up treatment fairly soon after. Regular check-ups are recommended as a preventative measure (i.e. every 4- 6 months).
Please contact me if you would like to discuss your animal’s situation in more detail.