Pivotal Animal Rehabilitation

07/02/2024

Patient appreciation post 😍🤩

Check out Henry performing his weight-shifting exercises with additional body weight added to his hindlimbs. This is for controlled and safe strengthening in preparation for further strengthening.

He looks like a pro 😍

Hello Henry!

Henry recently suffered an injury to his knee following an episode of very excitable activity off lead.

He is currently attending physiotherapy sessions with Rachel which involves manual therapies, laser and a tailored home exercise plan to aid repair and build the surrounding muscle to support the joint.

Here is Henry showing off his strengthening exercises like a pro! 😎

12/01/2024

Mr Lorenzo, has been treated and is currently taking part in some hydrotherapy to strengthen and develop hindlimb stability.

Isn't he the cutest 😍

Lorenzo! 😎

Lorenzo is currently receiving physiotherapy treatment for a condition known as luxating patella's. This means his knee joint tends to 'pop' out at times. This more commonly occurs during very excitable episodes or if he rotates his leg at an angle. Rachel is focusing on building muscle and stability around the joint to help support his knee!

In this photo he is doing targeted weight-shifting to increase weight-bearing of his hindlimbs - similar to pilates for us! 😅

If you have any questions or queries regarding our physiotherapy services please do not hesitate to contact us!

10/01/2024

Such a happy girl! I am so pleased to be able to help her manage pain and discomfort 💓

Miss Darcy! 🐕

Darcy attends the clinic for physiotherapy and laser sessions with Rachel to help manage her elbow and hip dysplasia. She is a very happy and loveable girl who always brings a smile to our faces!

Laser is very effective for treating degenerative joint disease, as it has effective pain relief properties and promotes healing of the joints. If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia or degenerative joint disease please feel free to contact us for advice on how physiotherapy and laser could help. 😁

02/01/2024

Been a busy month coming up to Christmas!

Here is Bobby, one of my clients I see in Millburn Vets. He has recovered well and can enjoy his new year of walks and adventures 💓

Bobby!! 🐶

Bobby was being treated by Rachel after a bad fall cause some neurological issues in his hindlimbs, he was very sore and protective of his back. Following laser and physiotherapy treatment Bobby is back to his cheerful, happy and energetic self. We still have a bit to go but he is doing great!

How cute is his wee face? 😍

We would like to remind clients to be cautious throwing balls and encouraging hyperactive behaviour, it is during these over excitable moments that injury can happen!

15/11/2023

Working alongside other professionals is essential when rehabilitating my patients!

Here is little Boo enjoying her underwater treadmill session with Vet Rehab NI 🙌

The underwater treadmill is essential for Boo's rehabilitation progression! This is her first session so she is still learning the ropes 😍☺️ Joanne Magee

11/11/2023

I love to see my clients make a full recovery following injury!

All the best Marley!

Little Marley 🐾

Marley had been visiting our clinic for physiotherapy and laser treatments following an injury to his back! He has made a full recovery and is now finished his sessions with Rachel.

If you think your pet is struggling with pain and discomfort please contact us, laser therapy or physiotherapy may be helpful 😁

15/09/2023

I have found laser therapy to be extremely beneficial for arthritic cases, due to the pain relief, anti-inflammatory and healing properties it offers clients.

A lot of my patients have had positive and very beneficial outcomes from laser alongside veterinary medication and home management.

Here is an example of one of my cases utilising management alongside laser therapy to improve Burt's well being.

In the majority of cases it is a multifactorial approach which has the best results 😁

BURT! 🐶🐾

Mr Burt is 14years old and he has been attending the clinic weekly for some physiotherapy sessions with Rachel. He is receiving Laser treatment to help with his arthritis and some remedial exercises to improve mobility. He has been doing great and is able to dander about the house with no issues!

His owners decided to invest in some extra cute booties to help him grip the slippery surfaces and prevent him falling.

He looks very chuffed with his new accessories 😍

24/08/2023

International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has created Aimal Pain Awareness Month to help owners and animal professionals identify and become more aware of pain and how it is communicated by our animals.

You can get involved via the Big Walk event!

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/get-involved/the-big-walk/

September is right around the corner!

13/08/2023

Hello Everyone!

I know I have been very quiet the last few months - things have been very busy with work and toddler antics! 🙈

I am however spending some time revising canine muscles, and how I can improve my treatment techniques in my "spare time." I thought I would share some information with you on each muscle as I revise them.

I started with the Splenius muscle.

The Splenius muscle is located on both sides of the neck, therefore there are 2 found in dogs. They are responsible for elevating and extending the head and neck, when engaged individually they bend the neck to the side they are located on.

The muscle originates from 3 places, the 1st to the 3rd thoracic vertebrae via the nuchal ligament, the medial dorsal raphe of the neck and finally an aponeurosis from the cranial border of the thoracolumbar fascia.
* Aponeurosis - is similar to tendons in composition, it's a thin sheath of connective tissue that connects muscles to bones.

The muscle inserts to the dorsal nuchal ligament of the occipital bone and mastoid part of the temporal bone.

It is innervated by the 1st and 2nd Cervical Nerves.

This muscle essentially is located between the shoulder blades (scapular cartridge) and runs to the back of the skull (behind the ear). It is a deep muscle and not easy to feel as it is covered by more superficial muscles (Brachiocephalicus and Sternocephalicus).

The muscles are very prominent in working dogs, especially tracking and gun dogs who do a lot of sniffing (in the air and ground). It can be very uncomfortable and sore when injured due to its location near the head and behind the ear. A lot of dogs experience tension within this muscle which results in trigger points and discomfort.

I have attached an image to give you an idea of where this muscle is located, if your dog is experiencing tension in this area or if you have noticed a slight rotation or reluctance to extend their head upwards it might indicate discomfort is present in this muscle.

Always contact a vet if you suspect your dog is in pain who can then refer you for Physiotherapy if it is related or required! 🐕🐾

13/08/2023

07/01/2023

Hey Everyone!

So with the start to a New Year I hope to be able to welcome new clients and new appointments! As I work in a veterinary clinic during the week it can be hard to accomodate private appointments - however I am eager to develop more private client relationships.

Therefore to celebrate a New Year and New Challenges I would like to offer half price for any initial appointments booked in January! This applies to dogs and horses!

Please contact the page for more information! :)

23/10/2022

Some giggles for a Sunday evening 🤣

Anyone else chase their huuuge dog around the living room to 'stretch'?

17/10/2022

Does your horse or dog show signs of pain discomfort?

✨ Reluctance to exercise
✨ Behavioural changes
✨ Reluctant to eat
✨ Restlessness
✨ Irritability
✨ Seclusion and avoidance

Animal rehabilitation can help by providing:

✨ Non-invasive and non-medicated pain relief
✨ Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
✨ Reducing stiffness and improving mobility
✨ Improving well-being mentally and physically
✨ Improving hyper-reactivity associated with pain
✨ Maintaining muscle tone and reducing muscle tension
✨ Treating injuries and post-operative healing
✨ Promoting wound healing

What cases can benefit?

✨ Post-operative healing (orthopaedic repairs, wound healing etc)
✨ Degenerative joint disease and Osteoarthritis
✨ Ligament and muscle injuries
✨ Kissing spines and sacroiliac pain
✨ Limb amputation
✨ Tendonitis
✨ Patella luxations
✨ Upward fixations of the stifle
✨ Laminitis
✨ Swimmers tail
✨ Neurological deficits (Intervertebral disc disease, wobblers etc)
✨... Are just a few!

I use:

✨ Manual Therapies (massage, joint mobilisation, myofascial release)
✨ Electrotherapies (Laser, TENS and NMES)
✨ Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy
✨ Remedial exercises
✨ Special tailored rehabilitative plans

Recognised and covered by most insurance companies!

Please contact the page for further details and to make an appointment ☺

16/10/2022

What is involved in an assessment?
1. Initial Discussion
2. Static Assessment
3. Dynamic Assessment
4. Manual Assessment
5. Treatment and Rehab plan

This is the final stage of an assessment, it is where I treat the issues found in the previous stages. I create a plan to target and improve these issues - for some issues this is noticeable instantly i.e. pain, others will require a few sessions to rectify i.e. postural and muscle deficits. This is why a treatment plan is essential, although you may see instant improvements regular treatments are still necessary due to the underlying/chronic issues. If these are not addressed the pain, discomfort and behavioural indications will return.

I will initially treat using manual therapies (soft tissue mobilisation, massage, stretching, myofascial release and joint mobilisation). Manual therapies target the body's natural processes to aid healing, reduce pain and swelling, increase function and improve well-being. Manual pressure on the muscles causes a 'sponge-like' effect known as ischemic compression, this disperses blood and waste from the muscle/tissue when pressure is applied and once relased it encourages a flow of new, oxygenated, healthy blood to the tissue. This increases healing, aiding lympathetic drainage and increases circulation. It also aids in reducing tension, scar tissue and trigger points by manually mobilising the muscle fibres and essentially realigning them to their natural structure.

Manual therapy also reduces pain and discomfort by manually compressing the slower acting nerves that register pain, this also breaks the vicious cycle of pain, muscle spasm and contraction. Along with many other effects manual therapy also stimulates the release of endorphins (i.e. serotonin and dopamine) through stimulating the nervous system. By increasing the levels of endorphins there is a reduction in pain and an increase in relaxation and calmness.

Manipulation of connective tissues increases mobility, reduces tension, tissue function, joint health (i.e. synovial fluid production, articular tissue health) and neurological proprioception.

I then use electrotherapeutic machines (laser, NMES and TENS) and thermal therapy (cryotherapy and thermotherapy) to target pain, increase healing, improve well-being, aid tissue function and assist manual therapies. Electrotherapeutic modalities influence the physical cellular processes within the body to aid the healing process, breaks the 'pain cycle' and influences physical well-being.

After treatment I will discuss a plan of how we will target the issues found during assessment and what we aim to achieve. I will discuss with you to find the most realistic, achievable and beneficial plan for your daily life. However it is important to understand that you will be doing 60% of this plan at home daily - this is why it must be realistic and achievable within your daily regime. The plan will include home exercises (remedial exercises) such as pole work, bending, slow- effective walking and balancing exercises. It will also include some treatments which will be demonstrated at the end of the session and videos will be available to access for further references.

In some cases a referral to a hydrotherapist, chiropractor, farrier or behaviourist may be required to aid rehabilitation. I will discuss this will you and find the best and most suitable referral for you. If there is noticeable pain, discomfort, lameness or undiagnosed illness detected during the exam I will refer you back to your vet or to a recommended vet for the issue detected.

If at any time during the rehabilitation plan you find yourself struggling to complete the exercises, notice regression in your animal or feel uncomfortable performing any of the exercises I will happily tailor and adjust. It is important to understand the process will constantly change, every animal is different and every animal progresses differently. Communication is essential and understanding that the animal's health and well-being is the primary concern of mine throughout the treatment and rehabilitation process.

Please message me for advice or to book an assessment :)

03/10/2022

What is involved in an assessment?
1. Initial Discussion
2. Static Assessment
3. Dynamic Assessment
4. Manual Assessment

This part of the assessment is hands-on and involves examining the animal’s soft and connective tissues after a dynamic assessment. The reasoning for assessing the animal following dynamics means the tissues will be ‘warmed up’ by increased blood flow and elasticity, this minimises pain from mobilising cold tissues especially if restrictions are prevalent. This is why athletes 'warm-up' to provide the muscles with blood flow and increase the elasticity before exercise.

When assessing the animal I will palpate with my hands starting at the head and slowly working down the neck, over the shoulders and down the forelimbs. Then along the back, under the belly and down the hind limbs ending at the tail - this will be completed on both sides. During this time I will feel heat, swelling, pain, reactivity, tension and muscle tone and also muscle loss and weakness. Once I have fully palpated the animal I will then assess joint mobility and range of motion.

During this assessment I will manipulate the joints beginning from the head and neck through once again to the tail. I assess the head and neck and then forelimbs (shoulders, elbows, carpals and down to digits/fetlocks and hooves). I then assess the spine for movement, restrictions, pain and swelling - there should be some movement within the back to ensure that there are no spinal fusions but not excessive. I will then assess the hindlimbs in the same manner as the forelimbs (starting at the hip, stifle, hock and down to the digits/hooves). Finally I assess the tail for tonicity and movement - this can be strange for an animal who may not be used to or like their tail being mobilised manually. Clamping and tucking is normal and not always a sign of pain and discomfort, I advise you gently mobilise their tail prior to our appointment to minimise this behaviour.

During a joint manipulation assessment all the joints will be assessed. This will involve gently mobilising the joints through their natural plane of movement and within their range of motion available - I will not force or encourage stretching at this time. This is known as 'End feel' - I will manipulate the joints to the point where resistance is felt and stop. The moment of end feel is recorded and it will indicate if there are restrictions present within the joint or laxity (excessive movement). I am also noting any stiffness, pain, reluctance, crepitus (grinding/crunchy noises) and abnormal plane of movements.

In cases where pain and discomfort are not present, reflex manipulations can also be used to manipulate joints; these are known as active manipulations. It involves using the reflex arches present in the body to manipulate the animal into rounding its back (extending the vertebral column) and lateral flexions of the spine. These reflexes are also used within the neurological examination to note reactivity and sensitivity when activated.

When working with horses it is essential to notify the therapist of any vices the horse may have - will he nip when lifting his forelimbs, does he sn**ch his limbs or kick out (even in a scold). This allows the therapist to be prepared and gives them adequate warning.

Similarly, for dogs it would be helpful to notify the therapist of any anxiety - such as toes being touched/head shyness etc.

Sometimes it takes the animal a few sessions to relax and become accustomed to the assessments, keeping treats and reward-based toys nearby can help develop a positive reinforcement with the sessions.

Please message me for further information or to book :)

20/09/2022

What is involved in an assessment?
1. Initial Discussion
2. Static Assessment
3. Dynamic Assessment

This involves an assessment of the animal in motion, I will ask you to lead your dog or horse in a straight line away from me and back to me in walk a few times (allowing me to visualise the animal from front, behind and at the side). If no lameness or obvious signs of significant pain are observed in walk I will ask you to trot your animal in a similar manner.

For horses, I ask for you to turn them in a tight circle in both directions and ask your horse to back up for a few steps. If needed I may also request to visualise your horse on the lunge in walk, trot and canter.

For dogs, I also ask for you to walk them in a tight circle in both directions, I will request that you ask your dog to perform a sit to stand also.

The reasoning for asking you to present your animal dynamically on a straight line allows assessment of stride length, stance duration, swing arch and straightness. Also limb deviations, joint rotations, placement of hoofs and paws, lameness and compensation.

When placing your animal on a tight circle I can assess balance, weight distribution, limb co-ordination, flexibility, pain and discomfort.

The reasoning for 'backing-up' a horse is to assess neurological awareness, core strength, distribution of weight, pain and discomfort. A horse carries 60% of it's weight on the forehand (in front) therefore asking a horse to back up places increased weight and pressure on the hind limbs and lumbosacral joints. This therefore will display signs of compensation, pain and stiffness which would not be as easily identified due to bearing increased weight on the forehand. This weight shift can in turn cause repetitive strain and further injury on the forehand so it is essential to be completely thorough in assessments.

When asking your dog to perform a sit to stand I am assessing the movement between the two positions - this allows an evaluation of strength, control, core stability, stiffness, willingness to perform, pain and discomfort.

All of these dynamic movements are essential to fully assess an animal as they are masters at masking pain and discomfort through compensation and weight distributions - one of the perks of having 4 limbs! Therefore the majority of 'obvious' lameness is a result of compensation from an area of deeper or chronic pain. A dynamic assessment should evaluate the animal as a whole prior to manual assesment.

Before your appointment I request that there is appropriate equipment prepared for a dynamic assessment and an appropriate area to walk and trot the animal to assess movement.

For further information or to book an assessment please DM the page :)

11/09/2022

What is involved in an assessment?
1.Initial Discussion
2. Static Assessment

A static assessment is an evaluation of the animal's posture and stance. Initially I will ask you to stand your animal naturally (allowing the animal to choose it's preferred stance), this allows me to view the animal's preference of weight-bearing, favourite standing position and balance. It allows me to assess if the animal 'rests' a leg or compensates for pain and discomfort.

After I has assessed the animal's natural stance I will ask you to stand your animal as squarely as possible - this means standing with the front limbs straight (in line with elbow, carpal and middle of paw) and hind limbs parallel following a similar straightness (Point of buttocks through hock to middle of the paw). My reasoning for asking you to stand your animal squarely allows me to assess muscle balance, weight-bearing, postural irregularities, swelling, muscle loss and misaligned joints. Any areas of concern/interest (AOIs) will be noted for investigation when I manually assess the tissues later.

Standing squarely also allows me to assess the conformation of your animal - every animal has conformational traits in line with their breeding but not every animal will have textbook conformation. Some differences in conformation can be detrimental to an animal and require rehabilitation to manage. A typical and well known conformational trait would be pelvic angulation of the german shepherd.

There is also a difference between posture and conformation, conformation is the skeletal framework of the animal - what it was born with. Posture is how the animal chooses to stand and carry itself - a lot of time it is determined by compensation and muscle build. Posture can be modified and improved which can also improve and minimise any musclulosketetal issues due to conformation. Therefore, I like to assess both stances - Natural and Square.

I may also ask for you to sit and lay your dog or cat - it shows if the animal can sit squarely or if the tuck a leg under and c**k a leg out. All of this is essential information when assessing the static posture and conformation of an animal.

For this part of the assessment I ask you to provide the appropriate equipment to restrain you animal and I also ask that you do a bit of preparation work with your animal beforehand if this is something they would not do usually. Treats are a must, either in the form of food or toys - I recommend rewarding your animal after they stand for an evaluation. For younger animals treats are a great way to maintain focus and minimise stress.

01/09/2022

What is involved in an assessment?

1. Initial Discussion

The first thing I do in any assessment is discuss a clinical history, background, current behaviour and progression (if on a plan). In an initial assessment I also ask if the animal is insured (which helps me guide the rehab plan), if neutered - when (age-wise), diet and what your animal's normal daily routine would be.

This gives you time to inform me of all concerns - some may be behavioural, management or not related to the physiotherapy at all. But all of these are essential when treating your animal, for example if your whippet does not like a cage and becomes extremely stressed, hyper-active and anxious. This could result in injuries being over-groomed/licked, panicking in the cage rest which could cause further injury or mental deterioration of the animal. Therefore this part of the assessment is essential and part of the rehabilitation process.

Clinical history is of paramount importance if I have not seen your animal before. This ensures that the patient has no underlying conditions which could be aggravated by electrotherapies, uncomfortable during massage and reduces spread of disease.
A few examples of things I need to be aware of is skin conditions, lumps/bumps that have not been investigated or diagnosed which could be cancerous, heart conditions and previous surgeries. These all can influence what treatment I can use on your animal and this is why a veterinary referral and clinical history is ESSENTIAL for initial appointments.

Finally I would appreciate if you could inform me of your animal's personality during this discussion. Are they weary of strangers, do they dislike their feet being touched, do they vocalise discomfort, would they be inclined to bite/kick, do they dislike eye contact etc.. and what they do like - are they treat or toy orientated? I want to develop a trusting and positive relationship with your animal as they are more likely to relax during their sessions. So please tell me as much as you can - no matter how 'silly' you may think it is. ☺️

The initial discussion is so important and it is essentially the foundation to our relationship. I will always refer to the initial discussion to compare progression, regression and differences in the case. I also love to hear about you and your animal and how rehabilitation is helping or could help you both. 😁

31/08/2022

What is Animal Rehabilitation and how can it help?

Animal Rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary treatment which targets the musculoskeletal system in animals - just the same as human physiotherapy or massage.

It aims to promote well-being, general health, circulation, healing and repair, increase joint function, reduce stiffness, manage chronic injuries, aid healing of acute injuries, improve and maintain performance and most importantly manage pain.

Each of our animals, be it a dog, cat or horse are incapable of clearly and coherently expressing how they feel. They do however communicate with us daily via body language, behaviour and in some instances vocalisations and these are important tools that we need to listen to.

If your animal is not eating properly, intolerant to exercise, showing aggressive/grumpy behaviour to you or other animals, reluctant to move around, licking joints, limping, sleeping more than usual, refusing to participate in regular training activities or dull and inverted. These can all be signs of discomfort and pain. There are many more - some more specific to each species.

If you feel your animal is off-form and behaving differently but it does not warrant a vet visit please send me a message. I can discuss if I feel it is related to a musculoskeletal issue and how it can be managed.

Animal Rehabilitation is not just for the injured animals, I can be very effective for older animals suffering stiffness and lack of mobility. It is also extremely beneficial for the athlete that requires tip-top condition to compete, just as any human athlete will have after care - animals need it to 😊

Below was my own horse, the first photo was a week after I bought him and the second is a year after implementing a rehabilitation plan. Albert suffered from sacroiliac pain as you can see the weakness over is rump and lumbar (lower back) in the first photo. This weakness made it difficult to use his hind limbs and core appropriately.
Once the pain was managed, massage and stretches helped to reduce tension in the back muscles. This allowed an introduction of new training exercises to engage his core and strengthen his hind, back and shoulder muscles.

This is what Animal Rehabilitation entails, helping the animal experience improved well-being and health.

Please contact me for further information or questions.

30/08/2022

Hello & Welcome to my page

Just a little about me:

I'm Rachel McAllister, I am insured and registered with the IRVAP (The Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists).

I treat small and large animals through manual therapies and electrotherapies. I have always had a love for animals from a young age, this developed into a passion and eventually a career path. I have been present in a veterinary setting since I was 16 years old, I have over 10years experience working in veterinary clinics and with vets.

I have a keen interest in dog training and my own Belgian Malinois (Maya) is trained in retrieval and obedience.

I also love horses having owned them since I was 6 years old, I have experience training and schooling various ponies and horses. This has provided opportunities to work in various yards (riding schools, breeding yards, production yards and livery yards). For this reason I studied a BSc in Equine Management and further studied a PgC in Animal Health.

I am in the process of being recognised and approved by RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners). I am constantly learning and developing my skills, with animal's health and wellbeing as my center of focus.

I currently work in a veterinary practice in Carrickfergus but I am working towards opening my own business.

If you have any further questions for me please do not hesitate to contact me further.