Chiropractic
Ridgefield Animal Hospital offers Animal Chiropractic or Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) to pets in Thibodaux, Grand Isle, Napoleonville, Donaldsonville, Luling, and other nearby communities. VMM is therapy that uses motion palpation to diagnose joint restrictions. A high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust directed in the plane of the joint (brought to tension) is then used to help restore normal range of motion to the joint (spinal manipulation). This therapy is used to alleviate pain, restore balance, and improve performance in our patients.
Patients of all ages can benefit from spinal manipulation. This treatment can be started during puppyhood to aid in the growth and general long-term development and health of our pets. Spinal manipulation has a positive influence on local, musculoskeletal, soft tissue, and neurologic functions (including behavior), and can be used to treat many conditions.
Some diseases and conditions that can be treated with VMM/Chiropractic include:
- Maintenance of joint and spinal health and/or treatment for joint and spinal pain.
- Lameness or paresis
- Trouble getting up or down
- Recovery from illness or surgery
- Neurological problems
- Treating early stages of hip dysplasia
- Muscle and soft tissue spasms/pain and neurological pain (nerve pain).
- Jaw or TMJ issues, including but not limited to difficulty chewing.
- Maintaining the health of working dogs to keep them at maximum performance and for treating event or sporting issues.
- Internal medicine disorders, including but not limited to bladder and intestinal disease.
- Treatment for acral lick dermatitis due to spinal nerve irritation association with restrictions (using the canine dermatome map).
“Clearing” restrictions through manipulation helps the patient’s general health by:
- Improving flexibility, decreasing adhesions in joints and reducing joint injury.
- Restoring normal movement improves blood flow to the brain making the patient more calm.
- Reducing pain.
- Restores normal circulation to the joint and surrounding tissues (ex: cartilage, ligaments).
- Restores normal muscle tone.
- Maintains normal peripheral nerve function.
We are proud to offer this treatment modality, which in no way replaces your traditional Veterinary medicine, as an adjunct and/or alternative way to improve the quality of life of our patients.
Dr. Natali Robichaux completed her certification in Veterinary Medical Manipulation (animal chiropractic) from the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in October 2020. At your pets’ initial visit, she will do an individual assessment for your pet and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
We do take referrals from other veterinarians. Referred patients will receive a complete exam and VMM as needed (see above) but will be referred back to their regular veterinarian for any other care that is needed. A patient evaluation will then be submitted back to the referral veterinarian to be filed with their records.