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Veterinary Chiropractic
Veterinary Chiropractic, or Biomechanical Medicine, looks at the alignment and function of the spine and the spinal nerves. Examination of the animal involves a number of tests, the most common of these being manual palpation of the mobility of the individual segments of the spine and the tension or weakness of the surrounding spinal muscles. A controlled gentle force is put through a joint to release restrictions and thereby improve the range and quality of movement.
The chiropractic treatment may incorporate a number of massage and tissue release techniques. It may also be combined with acupuncture, herbal medications, exercise regimes and stretching as part of the “reprogramming” of the nervous system.
Qualifications
All practitioners qualified to perform chiropractic treatments on animals should be registered with Animal Biomechanical Professionals Australia. Members of this association may be Veterinarians, Osteopaths or Chiropractors who have completed an additional 2 year post-graduate qualification in Animal Biomechanical Medicine. This is your guarantee that your pet is in safe hands. Beware of lay people calling themselves chiropractors. They are untrained and may injure your pet. If in doubt, ask what qualifications they hold or check the practitioner listings on the ABPA website.
Will an Adjustment Hurt?
Most animals accept both the exam and adjustments without any signs of pain. When a painful area is found, the gentlest techniques will be used to reduce pain before delivering an adjustment. Treatment may need to be delayed if the animal is in spasm or extreme pain. There may also be a need to perform radiographs initially to ensure that chiropractic is appropriate for your pet. It is contraindicated in certain conditions such as spinal tumours, fractures, or spondylosis (bony bridging between vertebrae).
Acupuncture or biopuncture may be used in conjunction with chiropractic treatments to relieve pain or release muscle tension. These adjunctive treatments are particularly useful in areas that are too sore to adjust or where regional contraindications exist.
What Can I Expect After an Adjustment?
Many animals will show immediate improvement while others may require a few sessions to resolve acute pain. Sometimes there is a 24-48 hour period of tiredness.
How to Get The Best Treatment Response
Be certain to share all the information about your pet’s care from all health care providers. This includes previous injuries as well as current concerns. Ensure that you understand post-adjustment exercise and home therapy recommendations.