I talked recently to a SOAP member who said that she often had questions she wanted like to ask, but because the new forums aren’t utilised yet, she felt embarrassed to ask.
This isn’t an uncommon comment and something I’d like to change.
Firstly, when you join WordPress, you can use a pseudonym, so no one will ever know who you are. This means you can ask any question you wish, without feeling embarrassed or awkward. Secondly, no question is ever a stupid question. We’d be more concerned about practitioners who don’t ask questions and carry on regardless.
Please use the forums, that is why we provided them. We want our members to feel supported, but we can’t do that if you don’t join in.
Have you got an interesting case or article to share?
As a way of sharing knowledge and experience across the profession, SOAP is actively seeking case studies and research papers that support or assist animal osteopathy. If you have a interesting case study that you are willing to share or have read an article or paper that would be of interest to other members, please send it to Dustie Houchin at: animalosteopaths@gmail.com
All those who contribute a case study of their own, will be offered the opportunity to include a small write up/advertorial about their practice for the website entry. Supporting photographs will be welcomed to show the animal named in the case.
For the first time ever, the Institute of Osteopathy (formerly the British Osteopathic Institution) is conducting a profession wide census to help us to understand more about osteopathy in the UK. SOAP is supporting this important venture and would like to invite all osteopaths (both iO members and non-members alike) to participate so that we can improve our knowledge of the profession and inform future developments.
I just wanted to let you know that if you haven’t yet registered for Animal Rehabilitation Expo 2014, there are only a handful of free tickets left. There are only 7 days until the show on 12th & 13th June, at ExCeL, London. If you are looking for new ways to improve your business and develop your professional knowledge, then make sure you book your ticket now.
Every one of the Keynote seminar and masterclasses are fully CPD Point accredited by CPD UK. The Show is supported by ourselves as well ACPAT, BVCA and SOAP. With your Animal Rehab ticket you’ll gain access to its three partner shows –COPA Practice Growth, Elite Sports Therapy & Medical Rehabilitation & Neurological Rehabilitation Therapy & Technology.
We have some fantastic new additions to the COPA programme with Doctor Ralph Rogers (one of the country’s leading sports Physicians) who will host an impressive seminar hall packed with top level guests including sprinters Darren Campbell MBE and Louis Persent and his hand-picked coaches, nutritionist and sport scientists. You’ll also hear from business experts on how to develop your practice and win more customers with seminars from the likes of former BBC Dragon Doug Richard and the unmissable Brad Burton – the UK’s number 1 motivational business speaker.
We will be on stand C350, and also we will be speaking on both days of the Show:
Day 1 – Thursday 12th June 2014 in the Keynote Theatre at 15:00 – 15:45 on The Osteopathic Treatment of Somatic Dysfunction Causing Gait Abnormality in 51 Horses
Day 2 – Friday 13th June 2014 in the Keynote Theatre on 11:00 – 11:45 on Working with a team – missing links make all the difference
We have just returned renewed and refreshed from our 3 week tour in Australia. Lovely country, lovely weather and fantastic people! Whilst we have been away spring has sprung! The grass and summer coats are coming through, heavy winter rugs have been discarded and the horses look great. Now we are back we are busy planning our summer programme of demonstrations, courses, painting and material collection.
If you are a therapist, be sure to look at our extended CPD for Therapist’s day courses (see below) and for everyone who has been asking, information for our 2015 Conference is now available.
Details of all the events and more are listed on the ‘What’s on’ page on our website. Just follow this link.
To come:
23rd – 25th May
Kleindöttingen Switzerland: Live painted horse evening demonstration; massage and Pilates for horses day course; horse and rider assessments and a video based evening.
7th – 9th June
Sweden: Painted horse day course and video based day course.
19th July
Birmingham: Dogs Inside Out!
1st July
***NEW*** Advanced CPD day course for therapists
31st July
Manchester: Live Painted Horse Evening Demonstration
19th August
Derbyshire: am Ponies Inside Out; pm Individual Anatomical assessments
29th August
Devon: Live Painted Horse Evening Demonstration
30th August
Devon: Ponies Inside Out – Anatomical Painting for Children
5th – 7th September
Normandy France: The World Equestrian Games
***NEW*** 15th September
Hands on CPD Master class for therapists course in Leicestershire.
11th 12th October
Day 2 Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics Course, Moulton College, Northampton
30th October
Mare and Foal Sanctuary Devon. Live Painted Horse Evening Demonstration
15th November
Spinal Dissection day course at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire
2015
24th January
Limb Dissection
28th February/1st March
Conference 2015 Training, Therapy and Performance will be held in Warwickshire. Early bird tickets available until October 31st 2014.
Please visit and like our Facebook page!
If you would like any more information on any of our events or have any comments or suggestions, please just get in touch.
It’s a lovely morning so far and we’re just setting up for this year’s AGM. This year our schedule includes lectures from Nadine Hobson, Sharon Winkler, Tony Nevin and Dustie Houchin. Topics covered will include: Canine pathologies in practice, current research in the field of AO, observation of the horse and developing your animal practice. At lunchtime we will hold the AGM where an update of SOAP will be presented.
Below are books that members have read and found useful in practice. If you read something you think others might like, please let us know and we’ll add it to the list.
Horse Anatomy for Performance by Gillian Higgins
Building on the success of How Your Horse Moves, it examines the anatomy of the 11 systems of the horse and explains how anatomy influences the way we manage, ride and train our horses.
Beautifully illustrated with new paintings and diagrams it really brings anatomy to life and clearly explains the importance, relevance and interaction between each of the anatomical systems relaying the information in a practical, clear easy to understand format.
Of interest to riders, therapists, students and indeed anyone with the best interest of the horse at heart it is visually appealing, original and easily understandable,
“Finally a book where you can learn how your horse ticks -inside out- and it is easy to understand and fun to read. A must for every serious equestrian.” Dr. W. Bechtolsheimer
Osteopathy and the treatment of horses by Anthony Pusey, Julia Brooks and Annabel Jenks
“Written by pioneering and internationally–renowned specialists in the field, this text provides clinically–orientated information on osteopathy as a treatment for horses. It explains the scientific rationale of how osteopathy works in animals, as well as providing a detailed working guide to the technical skills and procedures you need to know to perform safe and effective osteopathic procedures. Drawing on well established practices for humans this book provides details on the full variety of diagnostic and therapeutic osteopathic procedures that can be used on horses. Full of practical information, it demonstrates how professionals treating equine locomotor problems can adapt different procedures in different clinical settings. Over 350 colour images and detailed step–by–step instructions demonstrate the procedures and practice of osteopathy. Covers treatment both with and without sedation and general anaesthetic. This comprehensive text is written for students and practitioners of osteopathy with an interest in treating horses. It will also be useful to other allied therapists, and to veterinary practitioners who want to know more about the treatment of musculoskeletal problems.” Amazon.co.uk (2013).
Horse Inside Out(DVD) by Gillian Higgins
“This DVD, an extension of the book ‘How Your Horse Moves’ is a Unique Guide to Improving Performance. Using many anatomical paintings on live dressage, jumping, western and stunt horses, together with effective use of slow motion photography, it cleverly shows the skeletal and muscular systems in motion. Combining her talent for art with a passion for anatomy and suitable for all riders, trainers, therapists and students, Gillian will give you a clear understanding of biomechanics which has a very positive impact on successful training. For anyone thirsty for knowledge and with the welfare and comfort of their horse in mind” Amazon.co.uk (2013)
Colour Atlas of Veterinary Anatomy (The Dog & Cat) by S. Done, P. Goody, S. Evans and S. Stickland
“If you are looking for a book that presents a unique photographic record of dissections showing the topographical anatomy of the dog and cat: this is the atlas for you! Part of a comprehensive 3-volume set that also covers Ruminants (vol 1) and The Horse (vol 2), the Color Atlas of the Dog and Cat takes a complete look at virtually every aspect of veterinary anatomy. With this book you will be able to see the position and relationships of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and viscera that go to make up each region of the body and each organ system.
Rich with full-color photographs and drawings of dissections prepared specifically for these texts, each book in the series illustrates regional surface features photographed before dissection, then gives high-quality complementary photographs of articulated skeletons.” Amazon.co.uk (2013)
Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapyby Darryl Mills & David Levine
“The only book to cover physical therapy for dogs, Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, 2nd Edition provides an understanding of physical therapy techniques and intervention for dogs suffering from debilitating conditions. The book includes four new chapters, hundreds of illustrations that highlight key concepts and procedures, and case studies and specific therapies that can be used as guidelines for the management of clinical patients. Author Darryl Millis offers the perspective of a veterinarian skilled in orthopedics and orthopedic surgery, and co-author David Levine is a respected physical therapist with experience working with both dogs and human patients. By applying the principles of physical therapy described in this unique book, and by viewing therapy and exercise videos on a companion website, you can help dogs achieve a faster and more complete recovery.” Amazon.co.uk (2013)
Books by Gillian Higgins (Horses Inside out)
Horses Inside Outby Gillian Higgins
Have you read a book you think other Osteopaths would enjoy or find useful? If so, please let us know.