Important Information

Chiropractic is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific, controlled movements by the chiropractor to correct and relieve pressure caused by any subluxation (misalignment) in the bony column (spine and limbs). Relieving this pressure enables your horse's nervous system to function properly and restores joint range of motion, muscle function, and neurologic reflex pathways.

Subluxations can occur in any joint at any time for many reasons (tripping, falling, bucking, overgrown hooves, change in exercise/discipline). A subluxation occurs when bones move out of their normal position due to increased stress, such as exercise or trauma. This misalignment stops the joint from functioning and moving properly, often decreasing the range of motion of the joint. When the range of motion is restricted, it leads to secondary issues, such as musculoskeletal soreness and neurologic deficits (tripping, knocking rails, inability to turn). These changes can lead to pathology, injury, and disease.

Depending on the presenting concern,

Rapid Release Technology (RRT)

may be used in conjunction with

chiropractic treatment.

Symptoms where Chiropractic care may

be indicated include:

· Neck, back, leg, tail pain

· Muscle spasms, nerve problems

· Disc or joint problems, limping

· Jaw or TMJ (hinge connecting jaw to the skull) problems.

o Difficulty chewing

· Slip, fall, sports injuries and accidents

· Bowel, bladder and internal disorders

· Post-surgical care

· Maintenance of joint and spinal health

· Behavioral or mood changes

Many animals with chronic injuries or internal disorders can benefit from regular adjustments.

Dr. Kelly has completed over 250 hours of training in animal chiropractic at Parker University in Dallas, Texas. She is also Nationally Certified in Animal Chiropractic (CAC) by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).

For more information on Animal Chiropractic, or to learn what certification by the AVCA means, please go to the AVCA's website.

What is animal chiropractic?

Animal chiropractic is a discipline that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

During your animal's first appointment, we will watch their gait, how they stand, how they get up and lay down, along with palpating their joints and muscles. This will tell us what is going on with their body and how we approach a treatment plan for them

Does it hurt?

When a joint has been out of alignment or fixated for a long period of time, your animal might feel some discomfort during the adjustment. It is not uncommon for an animal to yelp, attempt to bite, or kick during one of their first adjustments or when they are in pain. After the adjustment, they will calm back down, lick their lips, do a full body shake or become active again - these are normal responses to being pain-free.

How often does my animal need to be adjusted?

Every animal is different, so this will be determined based on yours and what we are focusing on. However, once we get them to a state of maintenance/wellness then we will only adjust them once every 4-6 weeks.

Is there anything we should do after the adjustment?

After your animal has been adjusted, we ask that you keep them calm and prevent them from doing a lot of running or jumping. This will help the body to reset itself after being adjusted. We also ask that you provide them with plenty of water and rest.