When I first arrive, I introduce myself to your animal, then sit or stand quietly while I take notes and go through their medical history with you. This gives them the chance to come over to me if they choose to, and to get used to me being close by.
To palpate (feel) through their body, I ask you to gently hold their head while I work around them, moving from side to side. I slowly feel through the body, starting at the head and neck and working down to the pelvis and tail, looking for any areas of tension or restriction within the joints. At this point your animal will feel the gentle pressure of my hands running over their muscles and joints, and I’ll be noting any reactions, such as muscle spasm or moving away from my pressure.
Next, I carry out any adjustments needed. These are short, sharp but very precise movements of my hand, which initiate a response from the nervous system and the muscles around the joint. Animals are generally happy to receive these, and they’re usually followed by signs of relaxation such as yawning, stretching or licking and chewing.
Once the adjustments are done, I use laser or SCENAR pain relief therapy, or pressure point release techniques, on any remaining tension. Most animals relax well into this – some even fall asleep during their treatment!
Afterwards, we’ll go through the aftercare advice together, including tips, massage, stretches and an exercise plan, to make the treatment as effective as possible and help keep your animal soft and supple through their muscles.