Chiropractic care: no bones about it!

What is Chiropractic care? (literally translated= to treat by hand)

Treatments are aimed at assessing for restrictions in movement of each joint and for areas of tension. If indicated, practitioners deliver a corrective adjustment to the affected area that will help to reset tone of the muscles, range of motion of the joints, and free any potential nerve entrapments that could influence function and pain.

Chiropractic practitioners should be trained in both appropriate and safe techniques, and should thoroughly understand the indications and contraindications for delivering adjustments. It is important that practitioners undergo chiropractic training with an accredited animal chiropractic program. Most importantly, chiropractic should look boring! Dogs often feel profound relaxation after an adjustment and techniques that use harsh, exaggerated movements are not only sensationalized, but can be dangerous. It is not common to hear cracking with adjustments in dogs so if you are watching a social media post that has wild movements, loud noises, and patients that whip around in reaction to the adjustment, they are likely not a legitimate practitioner.

Chiropractic care for dogs can help with a variety of health issues, including: 

• Pain and discomfort

  Chiropractic care can help relieve pain and discomfort in a dog's neck, back, legs, or tail. 

• Range of motion

  Chiropractic care can improve a dog's range of motion in their joints. 

• Blood flow

  Chiropractic care can improve blood flow, which can help oxygen and nutrients reach the body's organs and healing areas. 

• Nervous system

  Chiropractic care can help optimize a dog's nervous system by freeing trapped nerves. 

• Posture

  Chiropractic care can help maintain proper posture and limb positioning to prevent future problems. 

Chiropractic care is often used in conjunction with other treatments, and can be particularly beneficial for dogs with active lifestyles. Some conditions that chiropractic care can help with include:

• Hip dysplasia

• Osteoarthritis

• Intervertebral disc disease

• Degenerative myelopathy

• Chronic neck or back pain

• Central nervous system disorders 

• Sports and fitness performance

  Chiropractic care is generally considered safe and effective for pets.

  An evaluation appointment is the first step to determining if this treatment is right for your pet.

  Contact our office to find out more!

Low Level Laser Therapy- beyond “frickin’ laser beams”

What is therapeutic laser treatment and how does it help your pet?

Low level laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, can help treat pain in pets by:

• Reducing inflammation:

  Laser therapy uses a focused beam of light to widen blood vessels, which reduces inflammation.

• Reducing swelling:

  The lymphatic draining system is activated, which helps drain excess fluid from the area.

• Stimulating nerve cells:

  Nerve cells are stimulated to block pain signals from reaching the brain, which lowers nerve sensitivity.

• Releasing endorphins:

  Laser therapy stimulates the production of endorphins, which counteract pain.

• Increasing blood flow:

  Laser therapy increases blood flow to the area, which brings in oxygen and cells that help with healing.

• Relaxing muscles:

  Laser therapy helps muscles relax.

• Accelerating healing:

  Laser therapy helps speed up the body's natural healing process.

Laser therapy is generally considered safe and effective for pets.

It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including tissue injuries, arthritis, and diseases.

Not sure if Laser Therapy is a good option for your pet? Contact our office to find out more!