Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Food Therapy
Laser Therapy
Spinal Manipulation
Rehabilitation
Acupuncture
What does acupuncture do to the body?
Acupuncture can alter the body in a number of ways. It can provide pain relief by stimulating chemicals such as endorphins (your body’s natural opioids) and serotonin to be released by the brain. It has also been shown to support the immune system, increase white blood cell counts, improve endocrine function, relax muscles, regulate the intestinal tract, reduce inflammation, and improve local blood flow and speed healing.
How can Acupuncture help if my pet is already on medication for their condition?
It can replace western pain medicines when animals cannot take them due to kidney, liver, or stomach disease. Acupuncture can support and improve organ disease when western medicine has little to offer, or be used in tandem with western medicine to regulate diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Are there different kinds of Acupuncture?
There are a variety of techniques, which include plain “dry” needles, electrostimulation (electro-acupuncture), injection of substances into acupuncture points (aqua-acupuncture), and moxabustion (heat applied to needles or acupoints). Acupuncture points can also be stimulated with photobiomodulation (laser) or digital pressure.
How long does it take for acupuncture to work?
Acupuncture is frequently combined with other traditional Chinese therapies such as Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy, and Tui-na (Chinese meridian massage). The results can be improved when combining these therapies. Diet and nutritional supplements are also valuable and can be integrated with the routine medical care provided by your regular veterinarian.
Can only veterinarians treat animals with acupuncture?
Yes, acupuncture is legally considered a “surgical procedure” and can only be performed by licensed veterinarians. It is important to find a veterinarian that is a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) to know that they have the correct training and experience to best help your animals.
A CVA has completed an extensive comprehensive acupuncture course, has been mentored by another CVA and has written approved case reports to obtain these qualifications.
How long is an acupuncture appointment?
The first appointment includes a consultation, western examination and traditional Chinese veterinary medical (TCVM) examination followed by an acupuncture treatment if indicated. During a housecall, the first appointment typically lasts 1-2 hours. At the clinic (HarmonyVet Acupuncture and Spine Care) the first appointment is scheduled for one hour. Followup acupuncture appointments are one hour as well either at the clinic or in your home.
Please provide all medical records, xrays and current medications prior to your first appointment for our review.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very small and flexible. They typically don’t hurt when placed. Because the needles are inserted close to nerves they sometimes result in a tingling feeling that is temporary.
Will my animal stay still for an acupuncture treatment?
We find that most animals relax quickly with acupuncture because of the natural calming chemicals released from the brain during a treatment (endorphins). Typically animals need minimal restraint and can move around the exam room with needles in place if they choose. Many animals will lay down to sleep within 15 minutes.
How long are the needles kept in during acupuncture?
Needles can be left in the skin from 1 to 60 minutes. Most treatments last 10-30 minutes. Sometimes the needles fall out after time and usually they are not replaced because weI believe their effect is complete. Other times needles are “retained” (where they seem to not want to be removed even with gentle pressure) for up to 60 minutes and I we believe these needles are still having an active effect and leave them in place until they are easy to remove.
Herbal Medicine
Can Herbs Be used in conjunction with regular veterinary prescriptions?
Yes, herbal formulas may be used with, or in place of, many prescriptions. There can be rare interactions between herbals and western medicines which is why it is important to have a prescription from a veterinary herbalist.
How are they given?
Many formulas come in capsules, tea pills or loose powder/granules to be mixed into their food.
Can herbal medications have side effects like regular prescription meds?
Although it is uncommon, we can see some gastrointestinal issues with herbal medicines such as soft stool, vomiting or decreased appetite. This can be avoided by starting the herbals very slowly or corrected by reducing the amount or frequency.
Can I get these products elsewhere?
Most of the supplements we carry require a prescription and can only be dispensed by licenced veterinarians.
Do the herbs taste bad? Will my pet take them?
Chinese herbal supplements do not always taste good but they come in different formulations such as tea pills or capsules. We also carry other supplements that are flavored to taste good.
How long will my pet need to take the herbs?
How long depends on the patients condition and diagnosis. Herbs could be temporary for only a couple of weeks or lifelong.
Food Therapy
Does this have to be a homemade diet?
No. We can also help you find the best appropriate commercial diet to meet your animal’s specific needs.
Do I have to change my animal’s entire diet?
Food therapy can be helpful both as a complete diet or specific foods can be added to supplement a current diet and still have a positive effect. Changing the diet may not be possible or appropriate for every animal.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO DO THIS?
It depends. We can change diets according to the seasons and as needs change with aging to maintain balance. It is also valuable to include variety in a diet.
Will my pet like the food?
We recommend slowly introducing a new diet for your pet. Most animals really like fresh food and variety.
Do I have to feed this diet for every meal? Can I skip some days?
Food therapy is a very slow medicine. It is OK to use these diets for most meals but fine to continue feeding an appropriate commercial diet for some meals so that you have some flexibility if life gets too busy or you are traveling with your pets etc.
Spinal Manipulation
Is this like chiropractic work in humans?
Yes, veterinary spinal manipulation is parallel to human chiropractic. In Wisconsin, the term chiropractic can only be used by human chiropractors.
Is it safe to have an adjustment prior to competitions?
Yes, but we do not recommend any adjustments within 2-3 days before competing. It is fine to adjust once competition is completed.
Will the adjustments cause pain in my pet?
Occasionally, animals may be a little sore after an adjustment but it should be temporary. We recommend having fresh water available after an adjustment to help support the new changes to the body
How long is a spinal manipulation appointment?
The first appointment includes a consultation, western examination and traditional Chinese veterinary medical (TCVM) examination followed by an acupuncture treatment if indicated. During a housecall, the first appointment typically lasts 1-2 hours. At the clinic (HarmonyVet Acupuncture and Spine Care) the first appointment is scheduled for one hour. Followup acupuncture appointments are one hour as well either at the clinic or in your home.
Please provide all medical records, xrays and current medications prior to your first appointment for our review.
How can my animal benefit from a spinal adjustment?
Restriction of the motion in any joint in the body affects local function and tissue health, including facia, nerves, and blood supply. Pain and decreased function can lead to abnormal use of other joints resulting in compensatory problems. Spinal adjustments can restore normal joint function, reduce pain, and improve the health of nerves, muscles, and cartilage.
How often will my pet need adjustments?
The frequency of adjustments depends on the individual. if it is the animals first adjustment we often adjust them again in a week or two to see if the adjustments are holding. Some animals have monthly adjustments, others are adjusted as needed.
Laser Therapy
How many visits will my pet need?
The frequency of visits depends on how acute or chronic the issue being treated is as well as the severity of the inflammation and pain.
Acute conditions are treated daily to every other day until clinically improved.
Chronic conditions are managed in three phases: induction phase ( 2-3 times a week until improvement of signs- can be up to 12 treatments ), Transition phase ( 1-2 times a week for up to 4 weeks) and Maintenance phase ( one treatment every 2-4 weeks )
Does laser therapy hurt?
Laser therapy is a non-painful treatment. Rarely, animals may be a little sore after a treatment if there is a lot of healing to be done. There is a little warmth from the laser even thought they are called “cold lasers”
Some lasers can hurt retinas if shined directly into eyes, therefore, goggles may be needed depending on which laser is used.
Can photobiomodulation (laser therapy) be used with acupuncture or spinal manipulation?
Yes, we can combine laser therapy with either or both acupuncture and spinal manipulation. If combined with acupuncture less laser therapy may be needed.
Rehabilitation
What kinds of conditions can rehabilitation therapy help?
Rehabilitation therapy is helpful to target any weak or poorly functioning area in the body. This can include nerve injury, joint injury, muscle injury or recovery after surgery Rehabilitation therapy can help weakness and muscle mass loss seen with aging.
How long does this therapy take to make a difference? How many visits will there be?
The initial consultation is scheduled for 90 minutes and includes a complete physical exam, especially focused on the musculoskeletal and neurological system. My goal is to teach you to perform rehabilitation exercises at home. Recheck evaluations will be done as needed to make sure that your friend is progressing well and will last 30-60 minutes depending on what needs to be worked on. These appointments will typically be every 1-4 weeks depending upon the needs of each animal.
DO I HAVE TO DO EXERCISES AT HOME?
The first appointment includes a consultation, western examination and traditional Chinese veterinary medical (TCVM) examination followed by an acupuncture treatment if indicated. During a housecall, the first appointment typically lasts 1-2 hours. At the clinic (HarmonyVet Acupuncture and Spine Care) the first appointment is scheduled for one hour. Followup acupuncture appointments are one hour as well either at the clinic or in your home.
Please provide all medical records, xrays and current medications prior to your first appointment for our review.
Will you teach me how to do the exercises?
Yes. We will go over each exercise with you, make sure you can perform them before leaving the appointment and send home a written description as well as pictures and videos with details on each exercise, how many repetitions and how often each day these should be practiced.
How can Massage help my pet?
Massage therapy is a very effective way to relieve pain and muscle tension associated with spinal and joint disease. It stimulates the nervous system both locally and centrally (in the brain) to increase sensory and cognitive awareness. Massage therapy can improve local blood flow and lymphatic function, increase local tissue oxygenation and improve muscle tone. Massage can also release facial tension and break down restrictive facial adhesions. Most patients experience relaxation and calming effects from the endorphins released by massage therapy.
What massage technique do you use?
Different techniques are used including petrissage, effleurage, compression and friction. Techniques are frequently taught to owners to be used at home.
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