A L T E R N A T I V E T H E R A P I E S E X P L A I N E D
The term 'sports therapies' covers a range of therapies used for the treatment of injury or for injury prevention or maintenence, it doesn't involve the use of medicines.
​
Why is it so confusing when choosing which type of therapist to use? Mainly because most practitioners will use several techniques, for example a sports massage therapist may use mobilisations, stretching and myofascial release in addition to massage. A McTimmoney chiropractor may use massage and electrophysical agents in addition to chiropractic techniques.
​
This section briefly explains the techniques used by the most commonly available therapists, all of whom use manual techniques to achieve a desired result.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is the use of manual manipulation on soft tissues combined with stretching and/ or the use of equipment with the aim of treatment and prevention of injury. Sports massage keeps the muscles in the optimum condition required for work, increases circulation, improves mobility and well being and speeds up recovery after exercise.
VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPY
The term 'physiotherapy' covers a range of modalities used for the treatment of injury, prevention of injury or maintenance. Your physiotherapist may use manual techniques e.g. massage or stretching, chiropractic techniques or electrophysical agents and they may prescribe stretches or exercise regimes. A practitioner may call themselves a physiotherapist or a veterinary physiotherapist dependent upon qualifications.
MCTIMMONEY
McTimmoney practitioners use manual chiropractic techniques on the skeleton to achieve alignment throughout the body. Some may also use other modalities e.g. massage and electrophysical agents.
​
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is achieved through manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue in and around all of the structures of the body) which increases elasticity and circulation and therefore promotes healing and recovery.
HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy involves controlled exercise in water for the treatment of many conditions such as arthritis, for post-operative rehabilitation and for maintenance of competition animals.
Reducing gravity allows the animal to use their musculoskeletal system without or with less pain and helps to improve mobilisation and alignment.
Hydrotherapy is often performed in a pool or a treadmill. Warm water aids muscle relaxation and helps to improve muscle extensibility. Water sometimes contains salts which aid the healing of superficial wounds.