Holly Clarke McTimoney Animal Chiropractics

12/09/2025

Yes, McTimoney Chiropractic can be a powerful tool in supporting the health, performance, and longevity of working and competition animals.

Performance animals, such as dressage horses, eventers, show jumpers, agility dogs, or working dogs, are often under physical and mental pressure. Their bodies are repeatedly exposed to asymmetric movements, intense training, travel, and the physical demands of their discipline. Over time, even small misalignments in the spine or pelvis can create muscular tension, imbalance, or reduced range of motion — all of which can lead to compensatory movement patterns, reduced performance, or even injury.

Regular McTimoney treatments can help by:
• Identifying and correcting misalignments before they lead to compensatory issues or discomfort
• Improving spinal and pelvic alignment, leading to better balance, straightness, and symmetry
• Enhancing flexibility and coordination, allowing for more efficient movement and improved technique
• Reducing muscular tension, which can enhance comfort and recovery post-exercise
• Supporting faster recovery from minor strains or stiffness, especially during competition season
• Helping prevent injuries by keeping the musculoskeletal system in optimal condition

Many owners and riders report improved freedom of movement, willingness to work, and better performance outcomes following treatment.

📆 Appointments available
☎️ 07938118290 (via WhatsApp)
📧 [email protected]
🛜 www.hcanimalchiropractics.com

11/09/2025

Backwards walking isn’t just reverse action 👇

The ‘back-up’ is a key exercise used in rehabilitation and now we have new evidence to support its effectiveness!

Eldridge et al. (2025) found unique hip extensor muscle activation and increased stifle and hock flexion with backwards walking.

This results of this study support the clinical use of this exercise to improve hind limb strength, stability, coordination and range of movement 👏👏

10/09/2025

09/09/2025

🔍 Did you know that horses naturally carry around 60–65% of their body weight on their front limbs when standing at rest? This means the shoulders, withers, and neck are under constant load — even before a rider gets on.

Because of this natural imbalance, the thoracic region and forehand are common areas for:
🐎 Muscle tension
🐎 Stiffness through the shoulders
🐎 Shortened stride in front
🐎 Compensation patterns affecting the back and hindquarters

Add in the extra weight of a rider or an ill-fitting saddle, and it’s easy to see why the front end of the horse is so prone to restriction and discomfort.

Gentle McTimoney chiropractic adjustments can help release built-up pressure, improve posture and symmetry, and restore fluid, balanced movement — allowing your horse to feel and perform at their best.

📍 A well-balanced front end sets the foundation for a stronger, more athletic horse.

08/09/2025

🩺 Medical Monday: Degenerative Joint Disease in Horses🐴

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), or osteoarthritis, is a common cause of stiffness, lameness, and reduced performance in horses. While it cannot be cured, careful management can make a big difference to comfort and quality of life.

McTimoney chiropractic care can support horses with DJD by:
✅ Restoring spinal and pelvic alignment affected by compensatory movement
✅ Reducing muscle tension in the back, shoulders, and hindquarters
✅ Supporting more efficient and balanced biomechanics
✅ Helping maintain comfort and mobility as part of long-term management

⚠️ DJD always requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment. McTimoney is a complementary therapy, best used alongside veterinary care, farriery, physiotherapy, and exercise management.

💡 Keeping horses moving comfortably, even with chronic joint changes.

05/09/2025

🧠

Yes, veterinary consent is legally required before I can begin any chiropractic treatment. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, only a vet may diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatment for animals.

This process protects your animal’s welfare and ensures that no underlying health conditions are overlooked. For example, if your dog is showing signs of lameness, we want to be sure it’s not due to a fracture, tumour, or other medical issue that requires a different intervention. You don’t need to worry about this, I can provide you with a form to share with your vet for them to complete. Working in collaboration with your veterinary team allows me to give your animal the best possible care.

03/09/2025

🍂The season is changing, and so are routines.

🌘Shorter days, increased stabling, and changes in workload can affect posture and movement.

Now is a great time for a McTimoney check-in to spot and correct small issues before they become big ones🍁🐴

📆 Appointments available
☎️ 07938118290 (via WhatsApp)
📧 [email protected]
🛜 www.hcanimalchiropractics.com

02/09/2025

The cervical spine (neck) is the most flexible region of your dog’s back, allowing them to:
🐾 Sniff every scent trail
🐾 Turn their head with ease
🐾 Groom and interact with their environment

This incredible mobility is made possible by seven cervical vertebrae, each designed to provide both strength and flexibility.

When these vertebrae become misaligned or restricted, you may notice:
⚡ Reluctance to turn the head
⚡ Stiffness or tension in the neck
⚡ Head shaking or tilting
⚡ Discomfort when walking on a lead or wearing a collar

Gentle McTimoney chiropractic adjustments can help restore alignment and comfort, supporting pain-free movement and letting your dog get back to exploring the world with curiosity and ease.

📍 Healthy neck = happy nose-to-ground adventures!

01/09/2025

Did you know....

01/09/2025

🩺 Medical Monday: Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs 🐾

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. A torn ligament makes the stifle unstable, often leading to pain, arthritis, and compensatory strain across the body.

McTimoney chiropractic care can help by:
✅ Relieving back and pelvic tension caused by uneven weight-bearing
✅ Supporting recovery after surgery or conservative management
✅ Improving comfort and mobility during rehabilitation
✅ Helping protect other joints from secondary strain

⚠️ A CCL tear always needs veterinary diagnosis and treatment. McTimoney is a gentle, complementary therapy to support your dog’s whole-body health alongside vet and physio care.

💡 Keeping dogs more comfortable, balanced, and mobile through recovery 🐶✨

13/05/2024

Truly are enhancing performance through palpation 🤲🏼✨

More lovely feedback from another happy customer! Hard work, commitment & dedication pays off 👏🏼

📆 Appointments available
☎️ 07938118290 (via WhatsApp)
📧 [email protected]
🛜 www.hcanimalchiropractics.com

26/04/2024

Team work makes the dream work!