Spinal Manipulation Therapy
All about PetCare is proud to announce the offering of Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT) for our patients. VSMT is referred to as “Chiropractic” in human terms. Dr. Laura Arington conducts VSMT evaluations and adjustments in the office 3-4 days a week, and is seeing current clients as well as pets referred from other practices. Dr. Arington attended and received certification from the nationally accredited, and State Board of Education approved, Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy courses at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Wisconsin. She participated in over 226 hours of intensive coursework in small animal and equine anatomy, functional neurology, and spinal adjustment techniques. Dr. Arington incorporates VSMT in both traditional and holistic veterinary cases.
What is Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy?
All animals have spines subject to stresses, from either the internal or external environment, that make them apt to subluxate or acquire segments that do not move correctly in relation to the rest of the spine, known as hypomobility. The nervous system is intimately associated with the spine, and any abnormality in the spine can adversely affect the nervous system and vice versa. The basic premise of VSMT is to correct vertebral subluxation/hypomobility which in turn, increases the overall health of the nervous system and the animal in general.
A VSMT exam includes a complete physical exam, neurological exam, gait and stance analysis, and static and motion palpation. In addition, a complete patient history with be taken, including the pet’s activity and athleticism, and current health status. Depending on the findings, X-rays or other testing may be recommended before the adjustment occurs.
The bones of the spine and joints are maintained in a specific alignment by the nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. The joints of the spinal column need to move correctly to maintain the overall health of the spine, and thus permit proper health to the nervous system as well. The nerves that surround each joint and vertebral area are in constant communication with the brain, central nervous system and organs. Even subtle changes in this alignment can cause problems. These subluxations or hypomobile areas can affect not only the immediate area surrounding, but also distant organs, glands and body functions because of the connectivity of the spinal column to the central nervous system. The goal of an adjustment is to restore normal motion of the spine, therefore restoring health of that specific area, as well as to the entire nervous system and body.
What are the signs of subluxations?
It takes a trained practitioner of Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy to recognize the presence of subluxation however you may notice some clinical signs which may indicate need for adjustment:
Most animals accept both the exam and adjustment without signs of pain. Should a painful area be found, Dr. Arington will use the most gentle techniques to reduce pain before delivering an adjustment. In specific cases of acute or extreme pain, Dr. Arington may delay the complete adjustment until your pet is more comfortable and is relaxed. Your pet may show some signs of soreness for a couple of days after an adjustment. This is due to motion being restored to an area that may not have moved normally for quite some time. This is similar to us exercising suddenly after prolonged inactivity and the muscle soreness that results from the sudden unaccustomed movement.
How often will Dr. Arington need to adjust my pet?
Recommendations for adjustments will be made on a case by case basis. Adjustments may be weekly to start for acute injuries. Geriatric patients typically make visits every 4-6 weeks. Healthy, young pets oftentimes are seen 3-4 times a year for maintenance.
What is Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy?
All animals have spines subject to stresses, from either the internal or external environment, that make them apt to subluxate or acquire segments that do not move correctly in relation to the rest of the spine, known as hypomobility. The nervous system is intimately associated with the spine, and any abnormality in the spine can adversely affect the nervous system and vice versa. The basic premise of VSMT is to correct vertebral subluxation/hypomobility which in turn, increases the overall health of the nervous system and the animal in general.
Adjustments may be used to maintain health of a pet or to help with acute or chronic musculoskeletal problems such as intervertebral disc disease, muscle spasms, arthritis, degenerative joint disease and back pain, or certain neurological conditions. In addition, many geriatric patients benefit from regular spinal adjustments for pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why would I consider Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy services for my pet?
Common patients of chiropractic include those exhibiting:
- Neck, back, leg or tail pain
- Post injury or trauma
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve problems
- Chronic pain
- Geriatric pain management
- Lameness not associated with fractures
- Lick granulomas
- Decreased or poor performance
- Chronic ear infections
- Or, to maintain healthy joint and spinal health
A VSMT exam includes a complete physical exam, neurological exam, gait and stance analysis, and static and motion palpation. In addition, a complete patient history with be taken, including the pet’s activity and athleticism, and current health status. Depending on the findings, X-rays or other testing may be recommended before the adjustment occurs.
A VSMT adjustment consists of a high velocity, low amplitude controlled hand thrusts that are directed at a specific joint in a specific angle to correct vertebral subluxations, or hypomobility.
How Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy works:The bones of the spine and joints are maintained in a specific alignment by the nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. The joints of the spinal column need to move correctly to maintain the overall health of the spine, and thus permit proper health to the nervous system as well. The nerves that surround each joint and vertebral area are in constant communication with the brain, central nervous system and organs. Even subtle changes in this alignment can cause problems. These subluxations or hypomobile areas can affect not only the immediate area surrounding, but also distant organs, glands and body functions because of the connectivity of the spinal column to the central nervous system. The goal of an adjustment is to restore normal motion of the spine, therefore restoring health of that specific area, as well as to the entire nervous system and body.
What are the signs of subluxations?
It takes a trained practitioner of Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy to recognize the presence of subluxation however you may notice some clinical signs which may indicate need for adjustment:
- Inability or reluctance to jump up or climb
- Irritability
- Sensitivity when touched in a certain area
- Recurrent infections (for example- ear or skin)
- Back or neck pain
- Muscle spasms and nerve problems
- Chronic pain and lameness
Most animals accept both the exam and adjustment without signs of pain. Should a painful area be found, Dr. Arington will use the most gentle techniques to reduce pain before delivering an adjustment. In specific cases of acute or extreme pain, Dr. Arington may delay the complete adjustment until your pet is more comfortable and is relaxed. Your pet may show some signs of soreness for a couple of days after an adjustment. This is due to motion being restored to an area that may not have moved normally for quite some time. This is similar to us exercising suddenly after prolonged inactivity and the muscle soreness that results from the sudden unaccustomed movement.
How often will Dr. Arington need to adjust my pet?
Recommendations for adjustments will be made on a case by case basis. Adjustments may be weekly to start for acute injuries. Geriatric patients typically make visits every 4-6 weeks. Healthy, young pets oftentimes are seen 3-4 times a year for maintenance.
Dr. Arington looks forward to providing this service to your pets.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or if you have more questions, please feel free to call our office at (513) 424-1626.