Chiropractic
Dr. Haley Macomber has brought her passion for Chiropractic care here to RVCSC. She has completed over 220 hours with the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre in Ontario.
Chiropractic refers to the practice of manipulating the spine to treat disease. Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapists base their theories of disease on the connections between different body structures and the nervous system via the way of the spinal column and its role in biomechanics and movement. The treatments are directed at individual spinal segments in order to modify the progression of disease and reduce pain.
Spinal Manipulation, or Chiropractic, can be performed on any vertebrate species but is most commonly performed on horses, dogs, and cats.
Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy can:
- Improve mobility
- Improve body awareness
- Allow for appropriate processing and integration of incoming information to the brain, and appropriate signaling output to the body
- Decrease pain
What is Animal Chiropractic/VSMT?
Animal Chiropractic or Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy is a field of animal health care that focuses on the preservation and health of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. It focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral subluxation complexes (VSCs) and dysfunctional joints of the spine and extremities.
The goal of the chiropractic appointment is to restore function and mobility to the compromised vertebra, and to re-establish neurologic transmissions. In more simple terms, it is a hands-on method of modulating the nervous system to restore balance to the body.
What conditions are most often treated with chiropractic?
Typically, conditions with a neurologic or biomechanical origin, such as degenerative joint diseases and musculoskeletal weakness or pain, are responsive to chiropractic manipulation. Decreased energy levels, resistance to jumping, and decreased play behaviors can all indicate that your pet could benefit from spinal manipulation.
How can my pet benefit from chiropractic?
Improvements are typically defined as a reduction in pain, an improved gait, improved athletic performance, and increased energy. It can also aid as an adjunct treatment after orthopedic conditions. It cannot replace the need for surgery but can help offset secondary problems that are caused by compensation for an injury.
Does my pet need to be an athlete to see results?
Absolutely not! While canine athletes will benefit greatly from chiropractic care, the family pet will as well. By regularly assessing and maintaining maximum flexibility in our pets, future injuries may be avoided. It also can be extremely rewarding for senior pets to help reduce pain and regain some strength and flexibility they otherwise had lost.
How safe is chiropractic for my pet?
When chiropractic or spinal manipulation is performed by an experienced, trained veterinary professional it is considered to be quite safe.
What can I expect at my first Chiropractic appointment?
The doctor will review the animal’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and discuss prior injuries or any pre-existing conditions with you. She will then bring you and your pet to an area where she can watch your dog walk and trot to evaluate your pet’s gait. Afterward, she will begin palpating your pet’s spine, diagnosing and treating any vertebral subluxation complexes she comes across.
