All Creatures Every Spine
Dr. Amy Hayek DVM, CAC, CVA
Dr. Bill Ormston DVM, CAC, DVETHOM
What is Animal Chiropractic?
Simply put animal chiropractors look for abnormal or restricted movement of the joints of the spine and extremities which have an effect on the nervous system and the entire body. The goal of the animal chiropractor is to restore proper movement of the affected joints so the nervous system and body can function at its maximum healthy potential.
How do you adjust an animal?
Basically chiropractic care is a manual method of treatment. The word “Chiropractic” comes from the Greek meaning “To perform with the hands”. Adjusting an animal is somewhat similar to being adjusted by a human chiropractor in that once the animal chiropractor finds an area that has either decreased or restricted motion, the doctor applies a high force, low amplitude thrust specific to the anatomy of the joint thereby restoring normal movement.
How long does an adjustment take?
The first visit takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Then any follow up visits take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Can an adjustment make my animal worse?
Sometimes after the adjustment the animal can be sore. If performed correctly and with proper training, chiropractic is safe and effective in treating your animal.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Sometimes during an adjustment the animal can experience discomfort for a brief moment.
How long does my animal need to be off?
Generally the animal should have the remainder of the day to rest. Each animal is evaluated on an individual basis and the doctor will provide you with the best course of action that is right for your animal(s).
What kind of training does a certified animal chiropractor have?
They are either a Doctor of Chiropractic or a Veterinarian
They have successfully completed one of the 3 recognized animal chiropractic schools. Those schools are Options for Animals, Healing Oasis, and Parker Chiropractic College
They are certified either by the AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) or the IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association). There is NO Board certification in animal Chiropractic.
Is chiropractic care addictive?
No. If only it were, there would be more healthy people around and chiropractors would not get patients who last saw a chiropractor "a few years ago when their back went out." It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result of regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not addictive, however, good health is.
Is chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other healthcare professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors.
What causes the sound during an adjustment?
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release," or "popping" sound. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated, "locked up," or not moving properly. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to eliminate interference to the nervous system, improving spinal function and overall health.
What is chiropractic care?
There's nothing mysterious about chiropractic. It's a natural method of healthcare that focuses on treating the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise. With a normally functioning spine and healthy nerve system, your body is better able to heal itself. That's because your spine is the lifeline of your nervous system. It controls feeling, movement, and all function through your body.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
Chiropractors base their care on the detection correction, and prevention of vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments). We use specific spinal adjustments to correct the spine, to improve nerve system functions and reduce nerve interference. Osteopaths use drugs, surgery and other traditional medical therapies and only occasionally use manipulative procedures.