Veterinary Acupuncture and VMM/Chiropractic
Acupuncture
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Acupuncture treats a variety of conditions especially those dealing with inflammation and pain. According to the American Animal Hospital Association “acupuncture offers a compelling and safe method for pain management in veterinary patients and should be strongly considered as part of multimodal pain management plans.” Acupuncture involves inserting small thin needles into specific points, called Acupoints. Acupoints are high density areas of free nerve endings, mast cells, lymphatic vessels and small arterioles. Many of these points are areas where the nerve enters the muscle (called motor points). Research proves that when we stimulate these acupoints by placing needles in them, there is a release of beta-endorphins and serotonin which naturally cause pain relief. Acupuncture also increases blood circulation, stimulates nerves and relieves muscle spasms
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Acupuncture restores energy flow or “qi” (prounounced chee) and can be used alone or with other medications recommended by your veterinarian. Once this flow is restored, the body is more balanced and will heal itself.
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Acupuncture can be used successfully to treat a variety of conditions including IVDD or back pain, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, chronic cough, gastrointestinal conditions, chronic kidney disease, urinary incontinence, allergies, endocrine disorders, and behavioral problems. Acupuncture is also used for end-of-life care and management of pain, appetite, and nausea secondary to cancer.
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After intensive studying at Chi Institute in Reddick, FL, Dr. Langley completed her acupuncture course and passed the examination to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA). She will do an individual assessment for your pet and determine an appropriate treatment plan. Some acute conditions may be treated with 1-2 sessions alone. Most chronic conditions must be treated several times and then need monthly treatments long term. These treatments can be used in conjunction with Western Medicine from your regular veterinarian, Chinese Herbal Therapy and Veterinary Manual Manipulation by Dr. Robichaux.
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Animal Chiropractic or Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM)
VMM/Animal Chiropractic 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.
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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. |
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“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 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 as adjunct and/or alternative way to improve the quality of life of our patients.
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Initial exam is $55.05 Plus VMM fee of $45.00, each additional manipulation for the same issues or maintenance are $45.00. Another exam fee is not charged unless new problems arise or the patient is being concurrently treated for other disease processes and rechecks are required.
VMM is performed as frequently as once weekly, but each patient is assessed based on need and an individual treatment plan is formulated.
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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.
Animal Chiropractic in no way replaces your traditional Veterinary medicine, yet it is a complimentary alternative form of care.