Caroline Tunbridge, co-founder of Pawsitive Results talks to Hounds about Myotherapy…….
For anyone who hasn’t heard of Myotherapy, please can you explain what it means?
Simply put ‘Myo’ – means – muscles/relating to muscles and ‘therapy’ – means treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. Myotherapy is a treatment for both humans and animals suffering with muscle and soft tissue damage and disorders.
Where did you train and how long have you been practicing Myotherapy?
I trained with Galen Canine Myotherapy training academy based in Sussex. The course is a level 3 diploma course accredited by Laser Learning. It is both distance and residential learning and can take up to 3 years. I graduated in 2016 and have been practicing since.
When should Myotherapy be used and how can it be beneficial for our dogs
All forms of lameness and muscle stiffness should involve muscle and soft tissue therapy.
Common conditions treated are:
Osteoarthritis
Repetitive strain – found a lot in competition dogs in disciplines such as Flyball, Agility and Obedience
Warm up and cool downs both in working and non working dogs
Palliative care
Compensatory issues
Using different hands-on techniques manipulating specific areas and depth of tissue, enhances targeted blood flow and toxin intimidation and facilitates natural healing and positive change.
Different techniques have different affects; some stretch the whole muscle and facial connections facilitating greater mobility. Other techniques target an area that is congested or inhibited. This could be either with scar tissue or an overloaded muscle due to adaptive or compensatory change.
All the techniques work on the myofascial connections which help to ‘uncoil’ the body and ease postural, behavioural and physical issues.
Muscle scaring and much more commonly the negative effects of overloading, cause a shortening within muscles, muscle groups and myofascial connections. These shortened regions draw the joints closer together creating a frictional effect on the joint. This has a degenerative outcome and creates inhibition, which in turn creates its own compensation and adaptive change, resulting in a change in posture. Myotherapy helps to remove this inhibition by releasing areas of reduced mobility and allows the moving parts to move; therefore the cells of the body to re-claim healthier tissue that improves movement and general well-being.
Is it a treatment that a course of sessions or does it depend on each individual case
Each case is unique and individual however I expect to see an improvement within 3 treatments. I also ensure that the owner or handler is equipped and to continue with some home therapy to ensure continuous improvement.
Do you need a vets referral?
Yes – This can be gained for you on your behalf. It is imperative that we work closely with your vet and any other therapist treating you dog to ensure we are all working together.
You can find contact details for Caroline and prices below:
Email: enquires@pawsitive-results.co.uk
Mobile: 07538 818685
http://www.pawsitive-results.co.uk/muscle-therapy
Prices are £35.00 per session and each session will last between 45-90 minutes.
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