Spinal Manipulation & Rehabilitation

Spinal Manipulation 〉

Laser Therapy 〉

Rehabilitation 〉

Tui-Na Massage 〉

Assisi Loop® 〉

· spinal manipulation ·

Spinal manipulation is a gentle technique used to release joint surfaces that are not moving freely. Adjustments are done with a high velocity, low amplitude controlled thrust that promotes movement in the normal direction of the joint plane and stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals to relieve pain and relax local tissue. The goal of this therapy is to promote optimal and pain-free motion in the joints of the spine and limbs, balance the biomechanics of the body, and support the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Altered mobility of the spine may affect range of motion in the extremities resulting in changes in stride length, posture and weight bearing. Chronic alterations in the biomechanics of the spine may contribute to degenerative joint disease when extremities chronically bear weight in abnormal patterns. Restricted motion in any part of the body forces other joints to compensate. The strain on those areas can lead to problems in the joints, nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments causing reduced joint motion and joint stiffness, muscle tension, muscle atrophy, reduced circulation, reduced nourishment of joint cartilage, and development of chronic pain pathways.

In order to provide the correct treatment, evaluation is done by gently palpating the contours of the muscles to feel for tension, tone, heat and symmetry. The contours of the joints are palpated and range of motion is evaluated in the limbs and spine. Specific areas that have restricted motion are adjusted.

• • •

Patients who may benefit from Spinal Manipulation

Cats

Cats are athletes. The jumping and impact of landing presents repeated stress to their joints. As cats get older many people notice that their cats don’t jump as often or as high as they used to. Or they hesitate to jump. These cats may have restricted motion or osteoarthritis in their joints, and may be in pain.

Active Dogs

Dogs playing Frisbee, catch, and engaging in rough play with their canine or human friends

Performance Dogs

Dogs in agility, fly ball, conformation; herding and hunting dogs

Geriatric Pets

Dogs and cats with decreased mobility, osteoarthritis, and a life-time of wear and tear on their joints.

PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO ANESTHESIA

When under anesthesia animals have decreased muscle tone and cannot protect their joints. They may also be placed in positions that are not natural for extended periods of time. Dental cleaning can be especially stressful to the neck and jaw as well.

Patients with musculoskeletal or neurologic disorders

Any condition or surgery that causes pain and/or lameness results in posture and gait changes that may lead to restricted joint movement and further compensatory problems.

Patients who visit a groomer

These patients are often required to stand (frequently on 3 legs) for longer than normal periods of time.

all patients!

Maintaining a properly balanced body throughout life will aid in preventing muscle and joint problems.

· Laser Therapy ·

Photobiomodulation, or therapeutic laser, uses penetrating photonic energy to stimulate cellular activity, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve the speed and quality of healing. Wavelengths in the near infrared spectrum, between 600-1000 nanometers, result in the increased formation of ATP at the cellular level. ATP is needed for many metabolic processes leading to increased cell generation and regulation of growth factors and inflammatory mediators which are important for healing. Photobiomodulation also increases endorphins (natural pain killers) to help relieve pain and can improve new blood vessel formation and nerve healing. We have 3 different lasers at our clinic. The light in our lasers can penetrate 4 cm deep to reach well into the center of joints and muscles of most animals. The result is improved pain control and faster healing of tissue. The Activet Pro laser also has a blue wavelength of 465nm which can treat infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

Our lasers include: Class 1M – Multi Radiance Activet Pro Super-pulsed Laser I Wavelengths 905nm, 875nm and 660 nm Class 3B – Grady I Wavelength 810 nm Class 4 – Cutting Edge MLS Super-pulsed Laser I Wavelengths 905nm, 808nm, 650 nm My Pet Laser Rental Unit – Wavelengths 660nm and 875 nm I For at home use when needed

• • •

commonly treated conditions

Arthritis

Tendon and Ligament Injury

Muscle soreness and injury

Nerve injury and pain

Wounds

· Rehabilitation ·

Veterinary rehabilitation therapy is a multimodal approach to addressing disease and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal and neurologic systems in animals. This includes the diagnosis and management of patients with functionally limiting or painful conditions. The goals of treatment include: controlling pain, enhancing healing, decreasing chance of injury, decreasing progression of pathology, improving performance, promoting healthy aging, improving strength and mobility and optimizing quality of life in all patients.

Therapeutic plans are individualized for each patient’s unique challenges and begin with a comprehensive evaluation and physical exam. Dr Lynne and Dr Marcus are certified in veterinary massage therapy and rehabilitation (CVMRT) through The Healing Oasis Wellness Center www.healingoasis.edu

Treatment can include:

Massage therapy
Therapeutic laser (photobiomodulation)
Passive range of motion
Stretching
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
Cryotherapy

Thermotherapy
Mobility aids
Spinal manipulative therapy
Acupuncture
Chinese herbal therapy
Supplements and nutrition

· TUI-NA MASSAGE ·

Tui-na is a manual therapy that is one of the four branches of TCVM along with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and food therapy. This technique is applied to acupuncture points and meridians and is used for prevention and treatment of disease as well as promoting balance in the body. Effects include regulating the Channels, soothing joints and sinews, promoting circulation of Qi and Blood, strengthening the immune system, and promoting normal function of the Zang-Fu organs. Tui-na can be used in conjunction with and to enhance acupuncture and herbal treatments. It can be an option for treatment when animals will not allow insertion of acupuncture needles. It is safe and effective with no known side effects and is frequently taught to caretakers to be used on a daily basis at home. Mo-fa (touching skin and muscle), Rou-fa (rotary kneading), Ca-fa (rubbing), Tui-fa (pushing), An-fa (pressing), Nie-fa (pinching), Dou-fa (shaking), Ba-sheng-fa (stretching) and Cuo-fa (kneading) are techniques that caretakers can learn. Applying these massage techniques daily at home will accelerate the healing process and improve animals’ comfort and quality of life.

· Assisi Loop^®·

An Assisi LOOP® uses pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to treat pain and inflammation. The LOOP can be used at home between treatments at the clinic. Each LOOP has at least 150 treatments each lasting 15 minutes. Loops are typically used 2-4 times a day. We also recommend the Calmer Canine® device to treat anxiety. This device is used twice daily for 6 weeks and has a rechargeable battery.

Learn More

Resources

Patient Stories

FAQ