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equine osteopathy and osteopathy for other animals

Animal Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy was established by Dr Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917) however, it was not until the 1970's that Osteopathy was successfully applied to treating horses.  More recently in the 1990's, osteopathy was successfully applied to treat wild and exotic animal and bird species.  An Equine Osteopath follows the same principles as human Osteopathy.

Osteopathy is frequently referred to as treatment/manipulation of bones - especially the back and spinal column.  However, osteopathy is more than that.  Osteopathic treatment examines movement restrictions, treating the body as a whole with the aim of improving mobility and reducing inflammatory processes.  The principle is that the body can heal itself and is self-regulatory - therefore if one joint is blocked or a muscle is tense it will affect other parts of the body.  These restrictions in the articulations and soft tissues are called Osteopathic lesions. An osteopath will look at the entire body and its range of movements not necessarily directly manipulating the joint- in any event an osteopathic lesion is not a bone out of place.  By manipulation an osteopath will help achieve the animals normal equilbrium. 

Osteopathy can assist -

The number of treatments necessary will depend on the nature of the problem and the animal's individual response.  It can be helpful to have your animal regularly checked, as Osteopaths are trained to detect early changes in the musculo-skeletal system, which if treated can help prevent more serious problems in the long-run.

Choosing an Animal Osteopath

Anyone calling themselves an Osteopath must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council - as the title 'osteopath' is protected by law.  

If you would like to find an animal osteopath, you may find it helpful to contact the UK Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice on 01444 831211 or alternatively please email us here at Taranet for advice - info@taranet.co.uk .

As with all animal ailments only a Veterinary Surgeon can provide diagnosis and treatment however, many Vets will now refer cases to an Osteopath if appropriate.  Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.

Finally, many animal insurance companies will now pay for osteopathy treatment where it is recommended by your Veterinary Surgeon.  

Copyright Taranet February 2002

UK Animal Osteopathy Practicioners

Dunbar Equine Osteopathy - Email: mail@dunbar-equine-osteopathy.co.uk or Tel: 01368 864989

International Animal Osteopathy Practicioners

New Zealand

Cotswold Equine & Animal Therapies - NZ Member of Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association. 'Maintenance, support and rehabilitation for the equine athlete and other animals' - Tel: +64 (0) 21 157 3723 / 0800 349 694

How to use the site

Those practicioners and organisations in green have links direct to their own website - simply click on their name to be transferred to their site.  Or contact them via any postal address and/or telephone number listed.

To be listed as a practicioner on this page, click here for details of our advertising packages

Want to find out how to train as an animal osteopath?  Visit our training advice page here.

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Animal Osteopathy - Equine Osteopathy - information here at Taranet!

To contact Taranet email -  info@taranet.co.uk