What is Veterinary Chiropractic?
Every action we take is thanks to the coordinated movement of many muscles. This muscle synchronization is a function of the nerve fibers sending and receiving signals from the muscle to the brain. If the function of the nerve fibers is disrupted or altered the muscle movements are no longer synergistic.
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Tiny alterations in position and movement of the vertebral column can disrupt these nerve fibers leading to decreased coordination and inability to perform at their best. Stumbles, bumps, or twists can result from the lack of synergistic muscle movement leading to injury in joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. It also leads to changes in posture to compensate for the restricted movement in the spine which then leads to increased strain on the compensating part of the body.
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Over time these tiny alterations can lead to major injury when the body is no longer able to "cover up" the problem. Many injuries are a result of chronic imbalance or compensation. Chiropractic adjustments 'reset' the alignment of the joints with a small, accurate thrust in the proper place.
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Vertebral Subluxation Complex
According to the IVCA -"Chiropractors define a VSC (vertebral subluxation complex or a more commonly just a 'subluxation’) as the functional misalignment of a vertebra or the limited mobility of its facet joints.
If a subluxation exists, the animal loses normal flexibility of its spine, affecting performance and resulting in stiffness and muscular tension.
Reduced mobility between two vertebrae can affect the nerves that leave the spinal cord between these adjacent vertebrae.
Negative alteration in the nerve’s function can lead to interference in the flow of stimuli or information, which is necessary for smooth coordination of body functions and muscle contractions." - https://ivca.de/vertebral-subluxation-complex/
Why Us?
Veterinary chiropractic treatment is very minimally regulated. You may have seen videos where a horse or dog is adjusted by twisting and jerking body parts in different directions. This is NOT real chiropractic adjusting. A chiropractic adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust in the direction of the joint facets to restore movement. The joints should NEVER be taken out of their normal range of motion. Also animals rarely cavitate (make the popping sound) except for a few locations such as the fetlocks.
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Dr. Coleen Johnston is a member of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She graduated with her veterinary degree from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and from Options for Animals: Animal Chiropractic College in 2023. She is certified and trained in proper techniques to properly treat your horse or dog.
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Membership to the IVCA is only granted to qualified veterinarians or chiropractors (or individuals qualified in both professions) upon successful completion of approved veterinary chiropractic postgraduate training and adherence to membership rules and regulations. Once individuals are accepted onto the IVCA Register, they are required to maintain and update their knowledge and skills through undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Is Chiropractic Safe?
When performed by an experienced, trained veterinary professional, chiropractic manipulation is generally considered to be safe. If adjustments are performed with the appropriate force, the patient will require a series of treatments, which will gradually result in restoration of health.
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It is important to consult your veterinarian and inform Dr. Johnston about all known health conditions. Failure to do so could inadvertently result in injury to your pet.
Temporary low-grade discomfort (lasting 24 to 48 hours) may be experienced in a minority of patients following chiropractic treatment.
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Untrained individuals may apply too much force or at the wrong angle which can result in serious harm, sometimes causing permanent damage.
