the college of animal physiotherapy
TRANSCRIPT
The College of Animal Physiotherapy
Diploma in Animal Physiotherapy
Module 6b
Physiotherapy techniques
Copyright: The College of Animal Physiotherapy Ltd 2011
PART TWO
SECTION 1
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE STRETCHING
Why stretch?
The aim of stretching is to restore or maintain normal range of movement or muscle
flexibility. Some of the benefits of stretching are;
Relaxation and reduction of tension and stiffness
Increased circulation and therefore increased delivery of oxygen and nutrition
to tissues and joints
Improved elasticity of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint capsules
Improved co-ordination and proprioception
Increased flexibility and range of movement of the joints
Passive and active stretching and range of movement
Range of movement (ROM) exercises can be used for evaluation and treatment.
Movements can be used to assess the ROM of a joint or limb. This will enable you to
feel any laxity of the joint, crepitus or any other abnormalities.
A passive movement is the movement of a joint with no muscular input from the
subject. This can be used to assess ROM of a joint or joints and as a treatment to
mobilise and nourish joints. A passive stretch is carried out in the same manner as
a passive movement with a little over pressure at the end of the movement. This
slightly increases the range of the joint/s stretching the related joint capsule,
ligaments and muscle.
An active stretch is the movement of the joints of the axial skeleton with muscular
input from the subject. These are used in order to achieve the above list of benefits.
Muscles should always be warmed up before stretching and the animal must be
relaxed. The affect of phototherapy followed by the rubbing or massage of tissues
will have the effect of endorphin release, tissue warming and animal relaxation. It is
therefore safe to proceed onto stretching after this treatment. If phototherapy is not
used, extra care must be made to ensure the muscles are warm before stretching
commences.
Posture
It is important to concentrate on your posture when treating animals so as not to
injure yourself. Mobilising horses’ limbs can be particularly hard work. Always
ensure your back is straight when lifting.
Equally stooping over dogs can cause injury. Find a comfortable position before you
start work concentrating on keeping a good posture.
Student exercise:
Practice the stretches on your own animals. Stretching is a skill and practice
makes perfect. Don’t forget to perform the stretches slowly to maximise the co-
operation of your patient and the effectiveness of the stretches. Ask a friend to
perform a passive stretch quickly and slowly on your arm so you can
appreciate the difference!
SECTION 2
THE STRETCHES
The next section is a picture guide to the most used stretches. During your
placements and practical sessions you will practice the stretches many times. Make
use of the space provided on the opposite of each page to make notes. This, along
with the project below, will be your personal guide to all the stretches.
Project
Create a table identifying the major muscles and joints that are affected by each stretch. Use the pictures in your module and your anatomy texts to help you.
This table is for your own notes. You do not need to send this in for marking.
This table does not go towards your end of module mark.
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