
PRIOR TO TREATMENT
It is a legal requirement for animal therapists to gain permission from your vet before treating your animal.
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UPON ARRIVAL
If you are a new client to me I will require you to fill out a form. This most importantly allows me to log changes in your horse over time.
Your animal will be assessed both dynamically and statically.
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DURING TREATMENT
Treatment will last around 1 hour.
SPORTS MASSAGE: The manual manipulation of soft tissues aiming to increase blood flow which initiates healing, prevents injury and promotes well being as well as dispersing trigger points (knots).
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE: Achieved through manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue in and around the muscles) which increases blood flow and therefore promotes healing and recovery.
MOBILISATIONS AND STRETCHING: The mobilisation of joints (commonly of the limbs and the head and neck) relaxes tight muscles which helps to improve and maintain the range of movement through joints. Stretching helps to improve the extensibility of muscles which reduces the risk of of sprains and strains on muscles, tendons and ligaments which in turn reduces the risk of joint damage.
POST TREATMENT
Time frames between treatments will vary between individuals but commonly range from 1-16 weeks.
You may be provided with exercise regimes or stretches to carry out between treatments.
Your animal may require a rest day after their treatment, e.g. gentle lead walking or hacking.
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BENEFITS
Sports therapies should support the body’s own healing processes to ensure the best outcome for injury prevention, injury treatment or maintenance. In much the same way as sports therapies support human medical practitioners, animal therapy is now finding its place as a valuable adjacent to veterinary care as it:
Reduces musculoskeletal tension
Maintains adjustments made by other therapists e.g. chiropractors
Improves muscular symmetry which helps to align the skeletal system
Reduces tension on tendons and ligaments
Treats orthopaedic conditionsPre and post-surgical management
Aids wound healing
Reduces compensations and pain caused by arthritis and other age related changes
Enhances performance
Improves wellbeing
Prevents injury occurence
Aids rehabilitation
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Lynne Wilson
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Hertfordshire
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Animal Physiotherapy