Osteopathy, an alternative method of treating musculoskeletal degeneration and injury, focuses on structural systems in the body and how they affect overall health. Osteopathic techniques, which are similar to physical therapy approaches, revolve around bringing muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves into balance. Osteopaths who treat dogs focus on physical rehabilitation after an injury or ways to manage the effects of normal canine aging.
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Significance
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Like humans, dogs experience musculoskeletal misalignment and improper joint functioning due to conditions such as arthritis, muscle weakness, disc disease, and chronic back, head and shoulder pain. Canine osteopaths use massage and manipulation to move the muscles and joints of dogs into corrective positions and restore flexibility. Osteopaths also treat animals injured in car or other accidents. According to Naturally Complementary, when structural issues are addressed, internal problems such as diarrhea and constipation often resolve as well.
History
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Osteopathy for humans emerged in 19th century America when Dr. Andrew Taylor Still developed the concept that musculoskeletal problems can cause other parts of the body to function improperly, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Still̵7;s research led to his belief that when properly stimulated the musculoskeletal system could restore overall health, and he opened the first osteopathic medical school for treating humans. Animal osteopathy developed in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, where it is frequently used today, particularly in rural areas where both horses and dogs are treated.
Osteopathic Training
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Animal osteopaths must possess a strong understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the animal being treated, whether dog or horse, according to the International College for Research on Equine Osteopathy. They must be trained to understand how the disruption of normal functioning--from injury or age--can lead to compressed nerves, lymphatic blockages, organ dysfunction and abnormal wear of muscles and joints. Dog osteopaths also are trained to understand that dog behavioral problems can stem from pain and discomfort.
How Osteopaths Work
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After assessing a dog̵7;s overall health and checking the animal from nose to tail, an osteopath will use a variety of gentle, hands-on techniques that resemble chiropractic work, according to Agilitynet. The osteopath stretches limbs and massages areas of decreased mobility. Sometimes, chiropractic-like manipulation is used to move joints into better positions, and often a popping sound can be heard during these manipulations. This is not painful for the dog. The osteopath may also offer stretching exercises for an owner to use with a dog at home.
Geography
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Animal osteopathy is widely used in Europe and throughout United Kingdom. In the United States, animal osteopathy is not as well known, although other animal therapies, including chiropractic and acupuncture, might be available. The American Veterinary Medical Association keeps track of complementary and alternative medicine regulations by state.
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