Luisa has been working with dogs in a professional capacity for over 15 years, and is both a qualified McTimoney Animal Therapist and Galen Canine Myotherapist. She combines gentle McTimoney chiropractic style adjustments with soft tissue Myotherapy and mobilisation techniques, LED red light therapy, and functional exercises to provide a synergistic and effective treatment.
Luisa runs a busy consultancy practice covering Sussex, Surrey, and parts of Berkshire and Kent, but has travelled as far afield as Essex, Hertfordshire, Norway and Estonia to treat and run workshops.
She has experience in treating a variety of interesting and complex presentations, from dogs with chronic pain and postural issues including those with existing underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, spondylitis and other orthopaedic conditions, to those exhibiting more subtle postural, performance, gait and behavioural problems. She aims to provide an empathetic, caring, professional, holistic, and effective service, supporting both you and your beloved dog.
Qualifications: BSc Equine Science, MSc Animal Manipulation, Diploma in Canine Myotherapy, Certificate in Canine First Aid
Luisa kindly agreed to answer the following questions:
What are your feelings on how we currently manage this common debilitating condition in dogs?
Mixed. Many new clients I see now are already aware of management issues such as covering slippery flooring, not throwing balls, and incorporating other modifications into their dogs’ lifestyles to avoid repetitive strain injury and joint damage, and make their lives more comfortable. I do see an increase in awareness generally within both the dog owner and veterinary communities as to the hugely debilitating effects of OA associated muscular issues, however I think we still have a long way to go. Through no fault of their own I feel there remains a gap within the veterinary community generally regarding what – in veterinary / medical – terminology is traditionally classed as a sub clinical issue, which unfortunately can mean muscular compensatory pain often goes under the radar. Typically, the muscular and postural issues we see associated with OA wouldn’t be classed as a ‘diagnosable condition’ and are as such dismissed or unrecognised. As wonderful as this job is, the downside is knowing how much Galen Myotherapy benefits dogs and profoundly improves their quality of life, but people not engaging, or seeing that the dog is in pain, which can be frustrating and upsetting. I see education as a huge part of our role as myotherapists, both in our work with owners, and through accurate reporting of dogs’ chronic pain indicators to their vet. Many owners I see are already aware of CAM, which is truly wonderful!
As a myotherapist what do you feel is essential for managing canine arthritis effectively?
Knowledge, the owner being actively engaged with and empowered in their dog’s management plan, and accurate assessment and monitoring of chronic pain indicators. I think the way myotherapists present and frame information to the owner is also key to make them aware of how their dog is feeling, yet keep them engaged – it’s essential that they are aware their dog is suffering from chronic pain, but that our approach is non judgemental, compassionate, approachable and supportive. Ultimately we are here to educate, help and support both owner and dog, not simply point out what may be being done wrong, which will simply alienate and shame the owner. Hopefully, our work and the results we achieve are helping to spread the word about what a profound role the muscular system plays in dogs’ welfare, and therefore how crucial addressing the secondary muscular affects of OA is.
How do you see treatment options for arthritis progressing over the next ten years?
I would love to see both owners and professionals adopting a multimodal approach to managing OA as standard, greater collaboration between vets and myotherapists (as well as other professionals such as hydrotherapists, physiotherapists etc), and a greater understanding of what myotherapy is, how it can help their arthritic patients, and indicators of chronic pain. It would be amazing if vets referred their arthritic patients for myotherapy treatment as a matter of course, much in the same way as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy is routinely indicated in patients with hip dysplasia and arthritis.
If you could have the opportunity to give one tip/ piece of advice to an owner with a dog suffering from arthritis what would it be?
Don’t accept changes as your dog ‘simply getting old’. Seek professional advice and educate yourself! Also keep their weight appropriate.
Luisa Greig
Galen Canine Myotherapist . McTimoney Animal Therapist . IAAT registered
T: 07592 310016 . E: luisamgreig@gmail.com
W: www.caninetherapy.co.uk
F: www.facebook.com/luisa.greig
I: @luisagreig_caninemyotherapist