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Alternative Therapies

As alternative therapies have become more popular with pet owners, we have added these modalities to the services we offer. Alternative therapies, which are also referred to as “integrative” or “complementary” therapies, include acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, laser therapy, magnetic therapy, and massage therapy. We provide these therapies in conjunction with traditional medicine and surgery to help improve outcomes and to give us additional options for treating our patients. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about whether these types of therapy could benefit your pet.

Chiropractic Services

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Chiropractic philosophy is based on the relationship of the spinal cord to the nervous system of the entire body. It primarily involves manipulation of the spinal cord but can also involve manipulation of the leg joints and skull.

Chiropractors treat ‘subluxations’ which can be described as an abnormal positioning of one musculoskeletal element to another. This subluxation is then manipulated back into a normal position by using a short ‘thrust’ that is applied very specifically in the correct direction. The goal is to enhance the neurological pathways and encourage natural motion and flexibility resulting in whole body health.

Chiropractic treatments can be very helpful for stiffness and chronic pain due to arthritis and/or hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease (back problems), muscle weakness and wasting, paralysis, post-operatively after a cruciate repair surgery, and they even have some benefits in organ function.

Chiropractic therapy should be used only by a qualified individual and is most beneficial when used in conjunction with traditional therapies.

To discuss whether your pet is a candidate for this therapy, please call our hospital and set up an appointment with our veterinarian.

Acupuncture

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Acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic treatment option for thousands and thousands of years and originated in China. “Acu” means “needle” and “puncture” means “to puncture”. According to the Chinese, the body is composed of several pathways called ‘meridians’ along which energy flows. Also along these pathways are acupuncture points that can be ‘stimulated’ when there is an interruption in the energy flow. Energy flows are interrupted or ‘unbalanced’ when disease is present. Stimulating the acupuncture points with needles can result in ‘restoration’ of the energy flow and improved or cured health problems.

There are several indications for the use of acupuncture including, musculoskeletal problems, reproductive problems, neurological problems, gastrointestinal problems and as a method to hasten post surgical recovery. Acupuncture is used in conjunction with traditional medicine and surgery to improve outcomes.

To determine if your pet’s condition(s) may be responsive to this modality of treatment, please set up an examination with one of our veterinarians.