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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