Oesteopaths

[chestnut cob]

Big pony has an oesteopath (am I spelling that correctly?) tonight, on my vet's recommendation. He was treated for spavin in both hocks last week and the vet wants him to have two oesteo treatments and then a couple of physio treatments.

Stupid question...what does an oesteopath actually *do*??!

I know it's to do with bones but am not sure what to expect from it. I know what physio does and will use my usual physio, and I know what chiropractors do (and would never use one again either, after having one out last year, but that's a different story

)...just not sure what to expect from an oesteo...

Vet seemed to think it would be more useful for him to have oesteo before physio...

 

[texel]

Osteopathy is based on a system of healing by the manipulation of bones (especially the spine) and muscles.

The therapy was developed in America in the late 1800's by Andrew Taylor Still MD. He developed the therapy to avoid unnecessary surgery often followed by the complications of infection. His therapy not only avoided surgery but also enhanced the body’s own defence and repair systems, encouraging the body to heal naturally.

Tissue that has a sufficient blood supply, nerve supply and lymphatic drainage will be healthy, without these essential elements, disease and poor health will ensue. The fundamental foundation of osteopathy is based on this principle.





Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with function and movement and maximising potential
manipulation is not the main technique used:
* it uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status
* it is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery
* the exercise of clinical judgment and informed interpretation is at its core.

A Physiotherapist can help -

* Acute and chronic injuries to reduce pain & facilitate healing
* Return to successful fitness and prevent re -injury
* Optimise performance and device safe fitness regimes
* Facilitate movement capabilities

How a Physiotherapist will treat your animal:

* Manual techniques
* Joint and tissue mobilisation
* Massage and stretching
* Electro therapy
* Tens
* Laser
* Muscle stimulation
* Ultrasound and non invasive electro acu pen