The nervous system coordinates the body’s movement (biomechanics) and its ability to heal and regulate itself. Trauma, overuse, or underuse, may cause the vertebra of the spine to become fixed, and the surrounding muscles and ligaments may become compromised and inflamed. As a result nerve signals become unable to adequately reach their destinations leading to the loss of the end organ or muscle's ability to heal. This can directly and dramatically impact your animal’s health. The goal of an animal chiropractor is to restore function and mobility to the compromised vertebra in an effort to re-establish neurologic transmissions. This allows the body to perform at its optimum potential.

Animal chiropractic focuses on the restoration and preservation of health by removing nervous communication barriers and restoring normal function. We consider ourselves "functional neurologists." This therapy is not limited to an injured or sick pet. Healthy and athletic animals are ideal candidates for chiropractic examination and care. Maintaining proper structural alignment permits optimal function of the muscles, nerves, and tissues supporting the joints. The result: improved movement, stance, and flexibility. This alignment promotes increased agility, endurance, and overall performance. Broader benefits include superior immune function, healthier metabolism, and a more functional nervous system, facilitating your animal’s natural ability to heal. Chiropractic can enhance the quality of your pet’s life, ensuring active and healthy years.

The goal of an animal chiropractor is to restore function and mobility to the compromised vertebra in an effort to re-establish neurologic transmissions. This allows the body to perform at its optimum potential. The doctor will use their hands to identify areas of restriction or lack of mobility; and once identified, the animal chiropractor applies a precise thrust on the immobile anatomical structures. This is called the adjustment. The adjustment is a very precise, high velocity (fast), low amplitude (shallow) force that safely restores the normal motion of the vertebra thus removing neurological interference. No equipment is used on the animal to make the adjustment, only the doctor's hands provide the treatment. When the nerves can efficiently communicate with all the structures in your animals’ bodies, they will begin to heal from within.

The animal chiropractic adjustment or other clinical procedures are usually beneficial and seldom cause any problem or pain. In rare cases, underlying physical defects, deformities, or pathologies may render the patient susceptible to injury. The doctor, of course, will not give a chiropractic adjustment if they are aware that such care may be contraindicated or ill-advised. The doctor performing the animal chiropractic examination may suggest further testing or diagnostics prior to the adjustment to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Patients may, however, experience minor soreness or stiffness for up to 48 hours after the adjustment while their body acclimatizes to the restored proper range of motion. This is patient and case specific and will vary from patient to patient. 

We will kindly request owner's not be in the room during the adjustment. Equine patients would be an exception, however one of our trained staff members will hold the lead rope. This is to promote a sense of calm and focus between the animal and the doctor. It is absolutely essential that your pet be as mentally focused during the adjustment as the doctor is. Rest assured, no adjustments will be made if the animal is not cooperative. Forcing an animal to undergo a position or adjustment they are not yet comfortable with will place the animal in a state of stress and increase muscle tension which would decrease the precision needed for an effective adjustment. Our doctor works with each individual animal to establish a sense of trust and respect for the mental and physical betterment of the patient. 

Rechecks and follow-up appointments will vary between patients. For "routine maintenance" an adjustment every 4-8 weeks will likely be sufficient to keep your pet in working order. For the treatment of specific issues, recheck appointments are usually every 2-4 weeks.