SST is freelance and Helen is happy to travel throughout monmouthshire and the surrounding counties, hereford, Gloucester, Avon, Gwent, Powys and further on request. Treatments last between 30 and 60 minutes and cost from £30. Discounts are available for group or yard bookings.
 

A Brief History

The use of animal manipulation techniques was first introduced in the 1970’s by John McTimoney, a registered human chiropractor. McTimoney adapted the renowned human therapy for use on animals and these techniques were later refined by Hugh Corley. Animal manipulation was further developed, expanded and enhanced by Shelagh James-Hudson in the mid eighties. It is this advanced technique that is used by Helen at SST.
 

What is SST?

Skeletal alignment is extremely important as it ensures the correct function of the nervous and endocrine systems which control the natural self-healing capabilities of the body. From this it is easy to see how misalignments (or subluxations) within the skeleton can significantly impact on the animals health, resulting in pain, muscle wastage (atrophy), nerve damage and possible disease if a condition is left untreated for a long period. Muscle spasms also result in pain and can cause or are caused by bony misalignments. Spasms can dramatically impact the suppleness and athletic ability of the ridden horse.
 

SST Treatment

SST treatments are holistic and involve understanding the animals history, an initial assessment of movement and conformation, followed by skeletal palpation and gentle manipulation of the bones of the head, spinal column, pelvis and limbs combined with passive stretches and massage to relieve muscle spasm. Treatments can last between twenty minutes and an hour depending on the severity or number of misalignments found.

As a qualified McTimoney-Corley Spinal Therapist, Helen is trained to use her hands to assess and correct bony misalignments. The therapy works with the body not against it and by treating the whole body each time ensures that bones are not forced back into place, which in itself can cause pain, but are eased gently back into realignment and thus encouraging the bodies natural self-healing capability.

Treatments may need to be repeated depending on the nature of the conditions found and it is generally recommended that the animal is rested for 24 to 48 hours before returning to light work. This is obviously only a guideline and each case is treated strictly individually and a plan is tailor made for each case. SST also recommends that a veterinary surgeon is the first person of contact in the case of trauma or injury or an unexpected / sudden change in the horses well being or behaviour.

SST specialises in treating horses but all animals, especially dogs respond well to the treatment.
 

When and why use SST?

There are many reasons a horse may require a spinal therapy treatment. It should be no surprise that horses suffer from back and skeletal problems. Firstly they were not designed to carry people, let alone trot round in circles, canter sideways, jump fences, run races or pull carriages!!

Horses today are kept in relatively unnatural environments however hard owners try to do there best for their animals.

Riders expect maximum performance, competitions do not end in the autumn and horses are expected to work and compete to a high level all year round. Every rider, however balanced and skilled, saddles and bridles however well designed and fitted can cause pressure areas within the horses muscles and skeleton leading to tension and pain to a greater or lesser degree.

Other factors that directly affect the horse’s musculoskeletal well-being are poorly fitting saddlery, poor shoeing, dental problems, poor nutrition and fitness, poor riding, unevenness in the rider, obesity in rider and/ or horse, over exertion and trauma or injury. Any single or combination of these factors can have a significant impact on the horse’s health, athletic ability and mental state. It is also important to consider that the higher the level of competitive performance or athletic effort required of the horse, advanced dressage as one example, the bigger the impact even the smallest area of muscle tension will have on that performance, it maybe the difference between winning or coming second. This is why spinal therapy should be used as prevention of problems and maintenance of good health and performance as well as for injury.
 

 
Horses cannot talk but there are many signs of a potential problem

• reduced performance, either rapid or slow in onset
• unwillingness to go forward, collect, move laterally or rein back
• irregular or uneven gaits or strides, especially differences between left and right
• lack of suppleness or flexibility
• incorrect canter strike offs
• refusing fences
• unexplained stiffness or lameness, including arthritis
• behavioral problems, napping, bucking or rearing
• grumpiness during grooming or saddling
• abnormal posture at rest or during work
• uneven muscle development (hypertrophy)
• muscle wastage (atrophy)
• trauma or injury especially a fall, trip or slip (A vet should be the first contact to rule out significant injury)
• becoming cast in the stable
• Generally any difference in the horse’s regular work or attitude may indicate the onset of a problem.
   

SST advises that retired horses and those in light work are given a treatment once or twice a year as part of a general MOT (dentist vaccinations etc!) to promote and maintain good health.
Performance horses are subjected to far more rigorous training and competition schedules and can be treated as often as required, up to fortnightly, and especially before an important competition or if any different symptoms occur, or an injury, fall or sudden drop in performance.

Helen has experienced excellent results with all types of horses from hacks, Pony Club horses and ponies, eventers, show jumpers, endurance and retired horses as well as her own dressage horses which are treated regularly.

SST highly recommends the regular treatment of competition horses to maintain optimum performance.