FAQS
Your questions answered.
WHY DO I NEED VETERINARY PERMISSION?
It is a legal requirement that veterinary permission is granted prior to ANY treatment, as part of the 1966 Veterinary Act. Veterinarians are the primary care givers and any practitioner that does not have approval is breaking the law.
Nika Vorster is classed as a “paraprofessional” by the Veterinary Surgeon (exemptions) Order 1962 and is allowed to practice with prior consent from the animal’s veterinarian.
Nika believes that all para professionals (Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Masseurs, farriers, dentists and saddlers) and vets should work together for optimal animal welfare.
WHAT IS MCTIMONEY? IS IT THE SAME AS MCTIMONEY CORELY?
McTimoney Corely is NOT the same as a McTimoney Animal Chiropractor/ Manipulator. Click on the link below to find out more information on McTimoney Corely.
WHAT IS MASSAGE?
Sports massage is a hands on technique, long recognised for the purpose of relieving muscle tension, removes lactic acid, increasing pain threshold, flexibility, stimulates circulation and improving overall performance and wellbeing.
Nika often gives massage treatments to animals competing regularly to help prevent soft tissue compensating injuries or during rehabilitation following injury.
Other benefits of Massage include:
* Enhanced gait quality
* Improved muscular tone
* Improved lymphatic drainage
* Keeps muscles supple that are associated with orthopaedic conditions
* Reduce pain
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Nika uses a combination of massage strokes alongside each chiropractic treatment.
HOW LONG WILL EACH TREATMENT LAST?
Each treatment normally lasts 45min-60min, however the first treatment usually takes longer. Small dogs, especially if the animal has regular treatments will take slightly less time.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
After treatment Nika will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan and provide suitable exercises, stretches or relevant management changes.
Each animal is individual and Nika will discuss suitable aftercare following treatment, however your animal will need time to relax and adjust to the changes happening as a result of the treatment.
In general Nika always recommends a day off from exercise and possibly more depending on the treatment with a gradual return to full exercise. As a result please clarify prior to booking if you have any competitions, training or clinics happening so Nika can advise a good time for treatment.
Healing is an individual process that takes time, therefore 24-72hrs following treatment your animal may show behavioural changes as a response to the physiological adaptations, however Nika will outline these for you after treatment.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IN PREPARATION FOR MY ANIMAL’S TREATMENT?
With horses, Nika asks that they are free from mud, dry and relatively clean. If you want to ride them before treatment, please do so allowing at least an hour of rest to allow them too cool off. Nika will need a flat, hard surface for gait analysis and level area to assess symmetry.
With dogs, Nika asks that they are also free my mud, dry and relatively clean. If coming to your house, please ensure there is a quiet area with a non-slip floor for treatment.