Chiropractor or physiotherapist?

[fionahogg]

Whats the difference? Does one do bones and the other muscles? If I just want a general all over check and anything correcting if necessary who do I use? I've always used a Mctimoney chiropractor but he doesn't seem to look at muscles...

Fiona

[Cathy Reynolds]

Chirpractic is, it I understand rightly, a method of manipulation that puts right joint displacement by physical movements/manipulation by therapist. Used to be deemed outlsandish, now much better recogined. Physiotherapy is mainstream, deals with bone and muscle misalignment, stiffness etc by exercise and massage, some by therapise, some by exercises done by patient. Correct way to go about it is to get yr vet to suggest the appropriate route (registered equine physio. should only come onto scene at invitation of vet).

[intouch]

Have a look at http://www.equinetouch.co.uk or http://www.bowen2000.com and go to equine touch for info on an alternative muscle release modality which is becoming well accepted worldwide.

[Maci]

Physio is what most people go to after they have broke something, injured something, or had an operation. It helps to strengthen the muscles and get your bones working properly.

Maci :)

[Maria]

I can recommend Gavin Scofield - he's an osteopath who has adapted some of the techniques further. He identified and treated a muscular problem with Carrie's back. He travels all over the place.

[fionahogg]

I just want someone to give Monty a general check over to see everything is in the right place and working OK. Like just having his back checked but things like hocks and shoulders as well. The chiropractor I normally use is qualified as a Mctimoney chiropractor and seems OK. Should I just stick with him?

Fiona

[Maria]

Fiona

If you're pleased with the service provided by your chiropractor then stick with it!

If you want a general check up then why not call your vet out first. Technically they need to recommend any treatment by a chiropractor, physio etc.

Maria

[fionahogg]

My vet tends to be of the view of, if there's nothing noticeably wrong with it, then there's nothing wrong at all. But I'd rather know he was 100% before progressing to higher levels of dressage.

[M-A]

I think your a right. Vets can generally only give an overview on this, as they have to know about so many species. Often the only signs of a physical problem is bad behaviour or impared performance, and it is the poor old horse owner who is most likely to notice it!!!

[intouch]

Conditions like sciatica in humans don't show up on x-rays,
more human work/hours are lost through back pain than any other illness, and doctors have only our word for it that it actually exists. So why shouldn't it affect horses, since we insist on burdening them with the riders weight in exchange for their keep? Having been practicing Bowen for horses for three years, I have in that time come across three animals that exhibited no reaction. Every other horse has had tightness or pain somewhere in their body.
I do insist that animals I attend have veterinary care, but often I am only called in after everything else has failed - that's OK, the owner knows there is a problem, and that knowing often comes from unconsciously listening to their horse. So keep on listening.

[intouch]

Fiona - or anyone else - Bowen for Horses is not difficult to learn - you could always get a few people together and organize a course so you can do it for your own horses.

[fionahogg]

What is it? Excuse my ignorance but I've never heard of it! Sounds very interesting!

[intouch]

is a very gentle muscle release modality based on the work of an Australian called Tom Bowen. I have just today completed the Advanced Horse-owners course run by Jock Ruddock and his wife Ivana who is a veterinary surgeon. I am starting to think about colating case studies to be prepared for the Practitioners course in October. I have seen amazing results with horses which the owners knew were not going the best, releasing all sorts of pain and blockages and changing from hyper, mistrustful fidgets to happy, friendly, laidback horses. Jock's website is http://www.bowen2000.com, go to equine touch, or my own site is http://www.equinetouch.co.uk. Something every horse deserves, and every owner can give.

[fionahogg]

Thanks intouch. I'll definately look into it especially the courses.

Monty definately seems to be uncomfortable somewhere - he is due to be seen by the chiropractor soon so maybe he'll pick up on something.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Fiona

[intouch]

Don't be afraid to get in touch with Jock, he is really approachable and easy to talk to. If you can get 5 people together he will run a course for you - when, is another matter as he teaches worldwide. He came here from South Africa and is travelling to the States & Hawaii on Monday.
I "met" him through the internet and arranged the first course here in August without ever speaking to him in person. Mind you, whether he will want to come back, with blizzards, 36 hour power cuts etc.........