What is Galen Myotherapy®?
Galen Myotherapy is a specific therapy specialising in the treatment of canine muscle dysfunction, from damaged through compensatory issues or injured from trauma.
The treatment specialises in chronic conditions that can cause muscle pain that is so often underestimated and sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat. We work using specialised knowledge and training specifically within this area. By working in a targeted and specialised way it often results in remarkable positive change within the dog as a whole, both facilitating ease of mobility, stress and perceived pain and also can help facilitate a clearer and quicker veterinary diagnosis of any underlying cause (see Treatment Protocol below regarding numbers of treatments).
Muscular issues can manifest themselves in many different ways. The pain can cause stress that will have a negative effect on how the dog functions both physically and psychologically, often resulting in a complexity of symptoms.
Galen Myotherapy promotes good muscle function. This is achieved through easing congestions and shortening within the fibres caused through injury, compensatory or repetitive strain issues.
Injury within the muscle fibre can cause inappropriate scarring, which will cause added tension over the joints they articulate. By identifying these areas then treating effected muscles and muscle groups, joint function we find can be improved and optimum ‘range of movement’ for each condition or situation being achieved. This results in improved mobility, performance and a reduction in pain perception therefore reducing stress and allied symptoms.
What is C.A.A.M?
C.A.A.M. is the Canine Association of Accredited Myotherapists (visit website).
Mission Statement
CAAM strives for excellence in Canine Myotherapy. This will be achieved through the application of accredited education and then further development through a scheme of regulated continuing professional development (CPD). It will further enhance good referral practice by upholding approved practice forming a credible and professional referral service for para-professionals.
CAAM is dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge through the education of individuals and groups; and through learned publications and other media. CAAM is dedicated to the improvement and safeguarding of health and welfare of all canines through the provision of outstanding Myotherapy techniques together with the formulation of credible and authentic partnerships that will aid the progression of the therapy.
Rationale
CAAM is an unincorporated not-for-profit association, formed to be a professional body made up of a group of qualified Galen Canine Myotherapists, and other recognised canine professionals, who are entrusted with the maintenance, control and the overseeing of legitimate practice of Canine Myotherapy. As a professional body, it will operate as a ‘not for profit organisation’, that will exist to further the profession of Canine Myotherapy.
CAAM’s aim is to provide a referral service from the Veterinary profession, that is professional, regulated and continually developed through rigorous processes of assessment and accountability by its members.
C.P.D’S
CAAM provides a robust framework for a continuing programme of education on the benefits of Myotherapy and other therapies within the Canine Health Team through a regulated process of Continuous Professional Development.
Standards of Practice
CAAM will seek to enforce the Standards, protocols and Code of Ethics that will be agreed when a Member joins CAAM.
Treatment Protocol (abridged)
We have a strict 14 point treatment protocol (available on request)
What is a Galen Myotherapist®
A Galen Myotherapist® is a protected title for someone who has trained through the Galen Therapy Academy and is registered through C.A.A.M.
They are specialised in the process of using highly developed skills of palpation to identify and then treat all forms of muscular injury and other associated muscular issues; through the application of advanced, targeted massage therapy for therapeutic benefit; performed in accordance with the Myotherapy techniques approved and governed by C.A.A.M. and Galen Therapy Centre Training Ltd®.
Insurance
All Galen Myotherapists are fully insured with public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Galen Therapy Centre Training Academy
The Galen Therapy Centre Training Academy is a registered member and training facilitator of the Open College Network (O.C.N) also known as Laser Learning Awards. The Canine Myotherapy (the use of targeted advanced massage) course is a level 3 (Diploma equivalent) that is constantly moderated both internally and externally by the OCN. to ensure the consistency of training. This is to provide the level of learning to comply with the standards of the OCN. membership agreement and published learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
The training includes consistent and constantly assessed theoretical and practical sessions. During which there is an expectation of each student to have a high level of understanding and interpretation of all aspects of canine anatomy and physiology, especially those directly connected to the application of the manipulative therapy.
The Tutors
All the teaching is made against the strict and robust set of assessment criteria that has been validated by a panel of Animal Health professionals including a Veterinary Surgeon.
The tutors include lead practitioner, Julia Robertson, founder of Galen Therapy Centre with over 10 years of experience of being a practicing Galen Myotherapist, she also has training of both human and equine physical therapy and a previous background of working within animal husbandry and Veterinary nursing.
Other tutors include a Veterinary Surgeon, a human Physical Therapist and additional experienced Galen Myotherapists providing additional support and training, together having a total of over 50 years experience.
During the practical modules, the training is conducted as a group and also one to one to ensure a clear comprehension and therefore correct application and understanding of the therapy. Students are assessed on a continuous basis facilitating individual development.
The training is rigorous in the explanation of appropriate treatments and treatment protocols, including the law in relation to non-veterinary complementary therapy and animal health issues.
Treatments
We treat a vast variety of mobility issues. Because we specialise in working with the canine, we have developed specialist skills that will identify muscle dysfunction. The treatment will ease, manage or treat the condition and also can also help with the identification and then Veterinary diagnosis of idiopathic causes of lameness or abnormal gait.
Common indicators suitable for Myotherapy:
- Consistent abnormal gait
- Intermittent abnormal gait
- Reduced range of movement
- Hypersensitive peri-vertebral muscles
- Panniculus reflex
- Reluctance for pelvic or lumbar region exam.
- Reduced extension (commonly) with thoracic region.
- Hypertonic neck
- Stiffness after rest or exercise
- Muscle atrophy
- Premature perceived ageing
- Reduced interest in physical activity
- Performance issues within sporting or working dogs
Some conditions that respond generally well to Myotherapy from their secondary or Compensatory muscular effects:
- Osteo-arthritis
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Spondylitis
Testimonials
I have been referring patients for both Galen Myotherapy and Myotherapy combined with Hydrotherapy for several years. This has enabled me to significantly improve the management of chronic joint disease in these patients. Galen provides a good professional feedback and ongoing communication, equivalent to what I would expect from a good physiotherapist. I will continue to use this method of treatment in appropriate cases. Ivan Crotaz MRCVS Kynoch Vets
We have been utilising Myotherapy since 2007, incorporating Myotherapy into rehabilitation treatment plans and patients suffering from a range of musculoskeletal problems such as degenerative joint disease.
The benefits of Myotherapy have been tangible and have led to an increase in our overall success rates. As the veterinary profession itself and pet owners get more familiar with the benefits of Myotherapy, we anticipate the use of Myotherapy within our treatment plans will continue to increase.
We have received nothing but positive feedback from our clients. Lyndon Basha BVSc MRCVS Animal Ark Veterinary Centre
I have had the pleasure of referring my veterinary patients to the Galen Therapy Centre for the last few years, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to my clients or colleagues. The individualized therapy they provide for my patients helps them cope significantly better with debilitating conditions, illness and stress and I find Myotherapy to be an excellent adjunct to veterinary care. I have always found the Galen Therapy Centre professional, knowledgeable and communicative, and I have had only positive feedback from my clients. I continue to refer my patients to them with confidence. Audra-Lynne Turner BVSc (Zim) MRCVS
I have worked closely with Julia Robertson and the Galen Therapy Centre for many years and been involved with the establishment of this course from its inception in 2006. I deliver lectures on common pathologies that cause lameness to the students as part of the course, in order to ensure accurate use of terminology and to promote discussion with referring veterinary surgeons.
As part of the final assessment team, I assess the level of knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology as well as its application in a clinical context via an oral examination.
From my experience and observations of this course over the past 5 years I strongly believe that it produces a high, non-compromising standard of therapist, with excellent knowledge of anatomy, physiology, ethics and perhaps most importantly application of Myotherapy technique.
Therefore in my opinion the Galen Therapy model provides a credible, effective and ethical referral service, one that I am more than happy to work alongside and indeed offer my clients for the welfare of their animals, be they for instance post operative or geriatric patients in order to support recovery and promote quality of life. Andrew Mead BVetMed M.R.C.V.S Arun Veterinary Group (Director)
Other ways we can help your Business
With full training either in-house or in conjunction with a Galen Myotherapist working remotely:
- Myotherapy sessions by extending or promoting your complementary practice
- Arthritis clinics
- Pain clinics – intended for long term mobility issues
- Lameness clinic
- CPD’s for Veterinary nurses and Veterinary Staff
With basic training/mentoring for your nurses:
- Post anaesthetic recovery stimulation using appropriate massage techniques
- Home advice – basic massage techniques for handlers
This is now being run by Pia Campbell for Veterinary practices with a BNVA accreditation (awaiting confirmation). Contact Julia or Pia Campbell for more details
- Lunch and learn sessions for your clinical staff
A Galen Myotherapist® only works on dogs that have a signed Veterinary consent form and adheres to the Veterinary Act.
The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 allows for the treatment of animals by physiotherapy, provided that the animal has first been seen by a veterinary surgeon who has diagnosed the condition and decided that it should be treated by physiotherapy under his/her direction. ‘Physiotherapy’ is interpreted as including all kinds of manipulative therapy (therefore including Galen Myotherapy®.
For any further information please contact Julia Robertson – Lead Practitioner or contact your local Galen Myotherapist.