Veterinary Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is essential for maintaining a healthy horse. For an animal to be healthy, it must be biomechanically correct (the body should move as close to optimal as possible). Allowing this normal motion will not only allow the body to keep itself healthier and aid in healing problem areas, it will help prevent problem areas from occurring.
Our equine chiropractic exam is primarily a motion palpation exam. Every joint of the spine is moved through its normal range of motion to detect abnormalities. If an adjustment is indicated at a particular point, one is performed. The animal must cooperate for a complete exam. In most cases the front and hind legs, TMJ, ribs, sternum and tail are also examined and adjustments are made, if indicated. If the horse resists leg adjustments they are not performed. (Almost 100% allow front legs, 95% allow hind legs.)
An equine chiropractic exam is NOT equivalent to a veterinary exam or a lameness exam. The chiropractic exam looks for decreased motion and "adjusts" that point. From a chiropractic point of view, if all necessary adjustments are made then the body is set up to heal itself (or prevent problems) as much as possible.
For more information on problems treated with Veterinary Chiropractic see -- EQUINE CHIROPRACTIC
A chiropractic adjustment is a short, quick force directed at a specific angle for that individual problem. A technique called the Logan Technique may be used in some cases, especially when relaxation is an issue.
Chiropractic adjustments are very safe when performed by properly trained doctors. It is illegal for lay people (not doctors) to perform and charge for chiropractic adjustments in Missouri and Kansas.
The goals of a Chiropractic adjustment are to:
- Restore the normal range of motion
- Reduce muscle spasms and pain
- Stimulate a neurogenic reflex and allow normal nerve signal flow so the body can heal itself.
After your horse has been adjusted, it is recommended that your horse have turnout time to allow the body to readjust itself. (Please don't just stall them, they need to move!) They may be stiff for a few days but by 5-7 days after adjusting you should see the benefits of that adjustment.
The normal time is to recheck in 2-4 weeks after the first exam. Timing of followup exams varies with each animal. There is an additive effect -- sometimes it takes a few adjustments to realize the true benefits. Depending on the condition, recommendations are made on frequency of visits, other treatment plans, etc.
Performance animals NEED everything moving properly for peak performance. Regular preventative exams should be performed to stop problems before they occur. Chiropractic excels in providing a competitive edge.