The Toggle Recoil Method using a Finger Flick or Tuning Forks during Equine Therapy
The latest CPD I attended was just a few weeks ago with Jo Rose Therapies, the subject of the day was Integrating the McTimoney Corley Approach with Tuning Forks into Animal Structural Therapies.
This was an Equine and Canine CPD day, which meant I got to take my own dogs Elsie and Vera along as models :)
Both the McTimoney Corley Finger Flick technique and the Tuning Fork are types of Vibrational Therapies that can be used to make Reflex Recoil Adjustments.
The Toggle Recoil Method was originally created by John McTimoney as a gentler alternative to the High Velocity Thrust technique that a Chiropractor would usually use. Hugh Corley, a practitioner trained directly by John McTimoney added further detail to this by using intent into the area of dysfunction and precise placement of his fingers in conjunction with a quick vibrational move (the Finger Flick technique).
This method is non invasive and does not directly move bones. Instead it stimulates the body to release tension that is fixing a joint in a misaligned state by creating a vibration into the ligament.
Using the Finger Flick Technique we can influence Mechanoreceptors in the body.
Mechanoreceptors collect information in the body about the internal and external environment. They transmit information to the brain about mechanical deformation in the body.
By stimulating the quick fire mechanoreceptors in the body we can enhance and amplify the signal to the brain and encourage the body to realign areas of misalignment. Essentially we are making the body aware of an area, so it can make a change.
There is some evidence that using the Toggle Recoil Method on vertebrae can over-ride the Pain Gate Response, preventing muscle guarding and allowing the tissue to release.
Below you can see one of the horses on the course day getting some great release from the Finger Flick Technique being applied to their girth line, which can be a common tight and sensitive area for horses.
Tuning Forks have been used in therapy for some time. I first became interested in learning more about using Tuning Forks in Equine Therapy when studying Vibeke Elbrond and Rikke Schultz’s work on the Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines as they use Tuning Forks in their work to aid in the release of fascia along these lines. I was very interested to learn what Jo could teach us about Tuning Fork application and learn more about any studies behind it’s use.
The NEHC Academy which specialises in Tuning Fork training produced and article in 2019 suggesting that 128hz weighted tuning forks are the best for release of fascial tension. Rikke Shultz prefers a 120hz Tuning Fork, although she says other frequencies may be just as good.
I have purchased a 128hz Tuning Fork for my tool box.
There is some evidence to suggest that application of weighted Tuning Forks can help melt fascial adhesions, creating more pliability and movement in the fascia. This is due to the mechanical vibration causing oscillations to occur at a molecular level, resulting in the gel of the fascial matrix turning more watery due to thixotropy and increased hyaluronic acid, making the tissue more pliable allowing release and realignment of the fibres. (Oschman 2012)
The evidence also suggests that mechanical vibration can create heat in tissues aiding circulation and stimulating the healing and pain relief mechanisms.
Pretty cool stuff what can be achieved with vibrational techniques.
After a morning of theory I was really looking forward to getting started with some practical application on the dogs and horses.
Here you can see my older dog Elsie. She was a little sceptical of the Tuning Fork being anywhere near her to begin with, but then soon rolled over to reveal some scar tissue she has on her stomach area to one of the other participants on the course that was working with her. She lay and enjoyed the therapy for a couple of minutes before getting up, walking away and creating a little bed for herself where she stayed sleeping for the rest of the day. I found this fascinating and incredible.
Above Jo is demonstrating the use of the Tuning Fork on one of her horses.
It was also great to experiment with using the Tuning Fork on some of the Acupressure Points I learnt just a few weeks ago on a previous course and seeing how the horses responded.
I really enjoyed this CPD and know I am going to be integrating these techniques into my practice straight away. In fact I already have in the last couple of weeks and have had great results particularly with the Tuning Fork. Helping to release fascial restrictions and stimulate Acu points.
It won’t be long now until I attend my next CPD of the year. It’s really important to me to keep on the learning journey, continuing to build my knowledge and skills in order to help all your horses.
Thanks for reading,
Jess