The Arthur Lodge Osteopath
Martyn has been living and working with horses and dogs from a very young age, having grown up with working Springer Spaniels. He currently owns a cocker spaniel and a 17.2h Irish sports horse. From the moment he gained his degree in Osteopathy, after 4 years training, he has worked with canine and equine patients and this led him to gain a recognised qualification with one of the world's leading equine osteopaths, Mr Stuart McGregor at his clinic in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Martyn also works as a human osteopath in Crawley treating all manner of conditions and so far hasn't got the two confused.
Canine Osteopathy, just like its human equivalent, is a system of treatment that uses physical techniques to remove tension and restrictions from the joints and muscles of the body in order to improve the structural, functional and physiological harmony of the dog. By working on the joints, muscles, blood flow and neurological supply, canine osteopathy works to reinstate the natural balance of the body and thereby improving general canine function. Fortunately osteopathy isn't just about fixing the back and can help in all the following situations;
- Soft tissue injuries.
- General stiffness in the older dog.
- Orthopaedic post-operative rehabilitation.
- Hip Dysplasia.
- Arthritis.
- General lameness.
In the Equine patient, osteopathy is equally as effective and has led to major improvements in a horse's ability to compete and recover from injury and is fast becoming the perfect natural way to treat horses. Equine Osteopathy, just like its human equivalent, is a system of treatment that uses physical techniques to remove tension and restrictions from the joints and muscles of the body in order to improve the structural, functional and physiological harmony of the horse. By working on the joints, muscles, blood flow and neurological supply, equine osteopathy works to reinstate the natural balance of the body and thereby improving general equine function. Fortunately osteopathy isn't just about fixing the back and can help in all the following situations;
- Reduced performance.
- Gait problems: tracking up or reduced stride length.
- General stiffness.
- Reluctance to trot/canter.
- Problems with head carriage.
- Changes in behaviour leading to bucking, rearing or kicking.
- Stiffness in the older horse.
- Maintaining mobility in competition horses.
- Aiding rehabilitation following injury or diagnosed conditions such as arthritis.
In 1993, The Osteopaths Act became law and in 1998 The General Osteopathic Council opened the statutory register of Osteopaths, providing a full list of all those entitled to practice as Osteopaths.
All Osteopathic practitioners must undergo at least four years of education and training on humans and then an additional year to treat animals. During this time they develop a very detailed knowledge of the body and its functions and capabilities as well as diseases and other conditions that cause dysfunction, learning how to perform a full detailed examination, diagnoses and treatment plan.
What happens during an appointment?
During the appointment a detailed case history will be taken, detailing the animals' problems and events surrounding the presenting condition. If the animal has been referred directly from the vets at any of the Arthur Lodge Veterinary Group Practices, then with the owner's permission, your animals previous medical history will be available in case there is anything relevant. Your dog or horse will then be observed moving around either on or off a lead rope.
All the joints will then be taken through their normal range of movements, the soft tissue will be assessed for any areas of tightness and any observations found noted. Since the problem may not be where you think it is, the whole animal is examined.
Once all the information needed has been gained, an osteopathic diagnosis can then be formed and with the owners consent, treatment can begin.
Treatment
Treatment of a patient can take many forms and will always involve fairly gentle techniques including limb mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and also if necessary specific joint adjustment. No drugs are used instead an osteopath uses their hands in a variety of ways to help restore the body to its natural balanced state, promoting good health and normal function.
Does my insurance cover osteopathic treatment?
Most insurance companies are in favour of an animal insured with them receiving osteopathic treatment from a qualified osteopath, once a veterinary referral has been obtained. This referral is a legal requirement.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss treatment any further please do not hesitate to contact Martyn at Arthur Lodge Veterinary Practice.