Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy
Veterinary spinal manipulation therapy (VSMT) is a holistic approach to health and wellness, meaning the therapy supports the body’s natural healing, immune system, and proper function. VSMT can be used as a part of your pet’s preventative health plan, promoting general wellness. Animal chiropractic care is also used for chronic pain management and to help accelerate recovery and reduce pain following an injury.
How Does Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Work?
The bones and skeleton provide the support and locomotion that allow muscles, tendons, and ligaments to move the body. The nervous system’s primary pathway for communication within the body runs down the length of the spinal column. When vertebrae or joints move out of proper alignment (become subluxated) due to an injury or other stress, they impinge the nervous system.
These impingements hinder the function of the nervous system and cut off proper circulation. This causes pain and reduces the brain’s ability to communicate and control the proper function of the rest of the body. Reduced circulation causes inflammation and inhibits the delivery of healing oxygen and nutrients to injuries.
Spinal manipulation gently restores the proper alignment of the skeletal system, which promotes healthy nervous system function, organ function, immune system response, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and faster healing.
Is VSMT Safe for All Pets?
Spinal manipulation is a gentle, non-invasive therapy for pets. It’s generally considered safe, but there are some conditions with which precaution or refrain from spinal manipulation is recommended. These include cancer, broken bones, acute trauma, organ failure, and dislocated joints. Prior to treating your pet with VSMT, our veterinarian will perform a complete physical evaluation to ensure the treatment is safe for your pet.
What to Expect During an Animal Chiropractic Appointment
Animal chiropractic appointments usually last between 15 and 45 minutes. Beginning with an evaluation of your pet’s posture and alignment, our veterinarian will locate misalignments within your pet’s skeletal system, focusing on the neck, jaw, spine, and hips.
Spinal manipulation is pain-free and non-invasive. Our veterinarian will use a small instrument to tap or move your pet’s subluxated vertebrae and joints into proper alignment.
How Many Adjustments Will My Pet Need?
Most pets experience immediate relief following a spinal manipulation. The number of sessions needed depends on how your individual pet responds and the reason for spinal manipulation. When managing chronic pain in a pet with arthritis, for example, ongoing regular treatment might be recommended. When relieving symptoms from an injury, spinal manipulation will likely be recommended until your pet’s normal range of motion and posture have been restored.
Learn More About Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Wellness
At Animal Wellness Center’s Oak Creek Wisconsin location, our certified veterinarian in VSMT can use it as a part of your pet’s regular wellness care to promote overall health. To learn more about animal chiropractic and whether it’s right for your pet, contact our office today.
