McTimoney Research wins award at the Eleventh Symposium of the International Association of Veterinary and Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Wenman MSc, an equine chiropractic and soft tissue practitioner from Surrey, won an award for her “preliminary investigation into the effect of chiropractic treatment (CT), myofascial release (MFR), and a combined treatment on mechanical nociceptive thresholds of horses”.
This research was presented by Liz at the eleventh symposium of the International Association of Veterinary and Rehabilitation Physical Therapy (IAVRPT) 2022 in Cambridge where she won the Best Equine Poster for her study. The aim of the study presented at the IAVRPT was to objectively investigation of effect of manual chiropractic (CT) and when combined with myofascial release techniques (MFR) on sensitivity to pain of the thoracolumbar musculature.
This research was carried out using 20 riding school horses, aged between 5 and 15 years old with no known back pathologies and with veterinary consent for all treatments.
The outcome of this study showed a statistically positive effect of a single chiropractic treatment and when combined with MFR, reduced muscle tenderness for up to 7 days compared to no treatment and MFR alone.
This research is important in understanding the effects of chiropractic and soft tissue therapies on the overall musculoskeletal system – basically how comfortable our horses feel and their ability to perform. Many therapists practise soft tissue techniques which help to release tension in the muscles and fascia (a covering that wraps around the body like an inner skin connecting all the different structures seamlessly together,) but chiropractic works to realign the skeletal system as well, removing areas of asymmetry in the spine and pelvis and allowing the joints and soft tissues to work properly and evenly on both sides. By combining the chiropractic technique with myofascial release, this study was able to demonstrate a far greater effect on the horse’s body than by the use of myofascial release alone which is an important finding.
Full details of the research abstract and poster can be viewed here:
Liz said “I am delighted to hold industry recognised qualifications and be able to work combining the McTimoney Animal Chiropractic and massage and myofascial release techniques. Using these different holistic modalities my aim is to produce an enhanced therapeutic outcome for all the horses I treat and improve their health, wellbeing, and performance.
McTimoney Animal Chiropractor Liz said “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a mature student completing my McTimoney Animal Chiropractic Practitioner Master’s Degree in Animal Manipulation with Distinction. The training included learning a range of McTimoney chiropractic techniques and the academic study research required to back this up”.
Liz also holds a Graduate Certificate in Animal Therapy qualifying her to use massage and myofascial release techniques. Her first degree was BSc in Animal Physiology and Nutrition and has been successfully using the Masterson Method body work for the past 6 years having been trained by Jim Masterson as a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP).
All members of the McTimoney Animal Association are qualified after training with the premier institution of its kind, the McTimoney College in Abingdon, having studied up to three years at postgraduate level attaining an MSc, a Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Manipulation or the new 4-year programme in Veterinary Chiropractic for undergraduates.
Chair of the MAA Nikki Routledge MSc PGCLT, BSc (Hons) MMAA AHPR Reg’d FHEA says, “We are so proud to have this research and Liz’s contribution to science recognised. There has been a growing interest in the application of animal chiropractic in recent years with a huge amount of scientific study in the area which is very welcome and really exciting.”
McTimoney is a form of chiropractic manipulation used to treat pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. It predominantly focuses on optimising alignment of the spine and pelvis to restore correct function of the skeletal system, nervous system and surrounding soft tissue. The technique is non-invasive and gentle and is readily accepted by animals. The treatment aims to resolve dysfunction and balance the animal’s musculoskeletal system, restoring health and movement, soundness, and performance.
McTimoney Animal Practitioners are registered with the McTimoney Animal Association.
Visit www.mctimoney-animal.org.uk
Contact info for those interested in learning more about training to become a McTimoney Animal Chiropractor:
Liz Wenman MSc
