Holistic Veterinary Physiotherapy
Michelle Santy
Treatment
Here I give you an overview of the typical course of a treatment. However, this list is not a recipe that can be applied to every animal. The procedure is adapted to the patient and therefore no two treatments are the same.
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Anamnesis
At the beginning of a treatment there is an anamnesis interview. This includes questions about the keeping and usage of the animal. The animal's medical history is also needed. Medical reports and x-rays from the vet are important for the successful treatment of certain health conditions.
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Inspection
After the conversation, I look at your animal in a standing position. How is the general condition? The muscling? Does the animal have conformational errors?
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Gait analysis
Next I look at your animal while walking. Usually I look at the sequence of movements in walk and trot. Variations in the nature of the ground, tight turns and walking backwards contribute to a more detailed analysis.
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Palpation and joint testing
Now I'll palpate your animal. I feel for warm spots, swelling, tension, changes in and under the skin, as well as pain. Then I test the joints of the limbs as well as the head and spine for mobility.
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Therapy
As soon as I have an overview of the problem areas of your animal, I can start the treatment. The focus is on the patient's well-being. A calm atmosphere helps the animal to focus on the treatment and to tell me what feels good. Depending on the patient, I combine techniques from physiotherapy and chiropractic.
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Further measures
Finally, I will summarize my findings for you and will be happy to give you advice on how to continue working with your animal. If necessary, I recommend that you consult other experts (veterinarian, trainer, hoof trimmer, etc.).
Special with the horse
Especially when horse owners tell me that certain problems occur only or mainly while riding, it is worth looking at the equipment and the horse under the rider.