Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM)  involves manipulating or adjusting the spine and other joints in animals and is performed by a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional training to be certified in manipulation. This work is very similar to what a Doctor of Chiropractic does for people. The goal of VMM is to achieve and maintain optimal movement of all joints. Supporting the health and integrity of the spine through VMM is an excellent way to affect and improve the performance of the nervous system, as well as overall health.

Any animal with a nervous system and a spinal column with vertebral joints can benefit from VMM. This type of manipulation does not push the joint beyond its normal range of motion, and many animals will relax completely during their treatments.

Restrictions in the vertebrae can cause compressions of spinal nerves that are important for organ function, mobility, and immune system health. It is the goal of every medical manipulator to find these restrictions and, with the application of a gentle thrust, restore balance to that motion segment.

Restoring normal motion to the spinal joints and improving the function of the nervous system may help an animal in one or more of the following ways:

• Return to full function
• Relief of pain
• Prevent the development of degeneration
• Promote healing

What conditions could benefit from Veterinary Medical Manipulation?

• Unidentified lameness issue with no known structural cause
• Decreased performance in sporting or working dogs
• Chronic musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, luxating patellas
• Geriatric patients
• Lick granulomas
• Recurring digestive problems or incontinence
• Abnormal posture or stance
• Pain when doing certain movements or when being picked up
• Stiffness and/or decreased mobility

How often should a pet receive Veterinary Medical Manipulation?

This depends on whether we are treating something acute or chronic. In many cases of acute trauma, a single session will be ample to help your pet. For chronic or severe issues, 3 or more sessions may be needed to address the issue. A session will typically last anywhere from 10-30 minutes for cats and dogs. If multiple sessions are needed for a single chronic issue, the doctor will recommend when the next session should be, but this usually ranges from 1-4 weeks in between manipulations.

Regular manipulations every 1-3 months performed as part of a holistic preventative medicine program are very beneficial in preventing injury, pain, and disease in the body.

If you have a performance animal, manipulations may need to be performed every 2-4 weeks during competition season.