Animal Spinal Manipulation (aka Animal Chiropractic)

Spinal manipulation is the manual correction of a joint segment that is not moving properly. This can be because of an injury, long term wear and tear, compensation from a trauma, or many other things. When locating areas that need to be adjusted, we look for areas of heat, tenderness, and joints that are not moving evenly. When joints are not moving evenly they can cause pain and tenderness to nerves in the surrounding area.
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A spinal manipulation is a specific motion like a fast stretch that is applied to the joint at a specific angle. This immediately stimulates the release of endorphins which helps to decrease pain. Additionally, once normal motion is restored, it decreases the pressure on the local nerves. It also increases flexibility and range of motion.

Many of our older animal patients that are having mobility issues benefit from chiropractic adjustments which helps maintain comfort and quality of life. However, it has been successfully used in the treatment such as acute injuries and sprains. Canine athletes or working animals are another group of patients that routinely benefit from chiropractic to keep them in peak condition.

Animal Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China about 5000 years ago and is one of the oldest forms of medicine. There are documented cases of animal acupuncture as far back as 3000 years ago. Newer laboratory research has proven the science behind the traditional modality. Acupuncture points or trigger points are specific areas located all over the body that have a higher number of nerve endings than other areas. These points can be stimulated with a needle, with a laser, or with the injection of a liquid. When the trigger point is stimulated, endorphins are released which decrease pain. The needle also helps to decrease inflammation and stimulates healing.
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The most common animal patients treated with acupuncture are often older animals with musculoskeletal problems or nerve conditions. This is a great way to help control pain and improve mobility and quality of life. It does NOT add time but it can improve the quality of the time that is left. In addition to pain management, acupuncture can be used for metabolic diseases, anorexia, endocrine disorders and to help control some cancers.