Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage
Although acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and therapeutic massages have been used to treat people for a long time, they have more recently gained popularity in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians receive special training, must past a certification exam and receive continuing education to become certified in acupuncture and chiropractic care. There are also special training classes for certification in pet massage. We offer all of these treatments at VSC.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of Eastern medicine and has been used successfully in treating people for over 3,000 years. Over the past several decades, it has been effectively used more frequently in treating animals. Pet acupuncture involves placing very fine needles in acupuncture points that are placed where nerves, muscles and tendons end. Needle placement helps stimulate endorphins resulting in a therapeutic effect that reduces pain and inflammation and also boosts a patient’s ability to heal.
There are two additional types of acupuncture that we utilize at VSC – electroacupuncture and aquapuncture. For electroacupuncture a small electric current is passed between the needles for muscle stimulation and it assists pets with neurological disorders or paralysis. A B-12 solution or other herbal solution is used during aquapuncture and injected into an acupuncture pressure point. It is often used when pet doesn’t tolerate sitting for an acupuncture treatment.
Various forms of acupuncture can treat the following:
- Chronic Pain Conditions – arthritis, intervertebral disc disease, musculoskeletal disease or injury, chronic pancreatitis
- Neurological Conditions – intervertebral disc disease, weakness, paralysis, meningitis, seizures, anxiety, cognitive disorders
- Cancer – Associated pain, promotion of immune function, increased quality of life
- Post-Operative Healing – Especially effective for orthopedic recovery
There are few side-effects to acupuncture. You may notice that your pet is more relaxed, sleepy or lethargic the day after an appointment. While some animals may show minimal effect, especially after the first few sessions, you should see increased mobility, energy, appetite and comfort and some reduction in clinical signs after treatment begins.
Chiropractic Care
We offer chiropractic care – also known as veterinary spinal manipulation – at VSC. Just like chiropractic care in human medicine, a veterinarian uses their hands to apply a fast, specific adjustment to a joint in order to restore normal range of motion. This gentle treatment doesn’t go beyond a patient’s normal range of motion.
Massage
Massage for your pet offers the same benefits as it does for humans. It helps us loosen a pet’s tight muscles, relax a pet and improve circulation. Depending on a pet’s need and comfort level, a massage may be brief or extended.