The McTimoney chiropractic technique is named after John McTimoney. Having received treatment himself, and subsequently trained, John McTimoney set up a practice in 1951. He was taught by Dr Mary Walker and she had trained at the Palmer School of Chiropractic (D D Palmer is the originator of chiropractic techniques). By 1954 he was starting to find his own technique was effective in treating animals as well, and so animal chiropractic was born. In 1972 the Oxfordshire School of Chiropractic was founded. The technique is suitable for humans of all ages and can also help horses, dogs, cats, farm animals (and beyond).
Traditional chiropractic work entails strong and vigorous techniques going to the limit of the joint’s Range of Motion and then by going further, the “popping” sound of joint detractions is heard which animals can find alarming.
The McTimoney unique approach focuses on a whole body assessment, both static and dynamic, and is determined to be effective, natural and non-invasive. This means it is more readily accepted by animals.
McTimoney adjustments use speed of movement, which causes a hyper contraction and then a relaxation of surrounding soft tissue, restoring joint function, improving range of movement, decreasing pain and stiffness. Crucially the treatment effect is within the restraints of how the body can respond at that time.
McTimoney techniques can be used in conjunction with soft tissue massage.