Animal Chiropractors Heal Through the Power of Touch

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

by Stephanie Harper Photo: Tim H

Animal Chiropractors heal through the power of touch

Animal chiropractor Dr. Mary Anne Staples loves her job. She works with a number of different species, enjoys scenic surroundings and revels in rewards that often go beyond words. Take, for instance, the miniature pony she treated for lameness. She recalls on her second visit how the pony came to her when called and actually laid its leg across her arm as if to say: "It felt good the first time, lets do it again."

Dr. Staples is one of more than 500 vets and chiropractors from around the world, certified by the American Veterinary and Chiropractic Association (AVCA). They receive their training in animal chiropractic at the Options for Animals Teaching College at the Animal Chiropractic Center in Hillsdale, Illinois - the only facility in North America that offers an Animal Chiropractic Program.

According to the AVCA, Animal chiropractic is based on the same theories as Human chiropractic, which believes that the spinal column is intimately connected to the nervous system and that it plays a major role in biomechanics and movement.

Just as in Humans, an animal's spinal health is essential for overall well-being. Nerves from the brain and spinal cord control all body systems, including organs. It is impossible to achieve harmony and balance - the goal of all holistic therapies - without a free flowing of energy from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. But free-flowing energy cannot occur if the individual vertebra has restricted or limited movement.

Both Humans and animals have vertebral columns made up of cervical (neck), thoracic (upper to mid back), lumbar (lower back), sacral (which are fused), and coccygeal (tail) vertebrae. The number of each type varies among the species. The faces of the vertebral bones and the intervertebral discs that provide cushioning between these bones has to be flexible enough to move freely. As well, each vertebra has six different surfaces where it touches other bones, such as the ribs or pelvis. The restriction or limitation of movement of any of these joints or surfaces can be caused by mild to severe traumas, emotional stress, or toxins. The result is a sand papering effect and if the two faces of the joint isn't restored, nerves running from the spinal cord out to the body can get compressed or irritated, and cause pain. This in turn affects the ability for the brain to communicate with certain parts of the body. The muscles surrounding the joints will tighten and spasm, pressing on fine nerve endings and restricting capillary circulation, which again causes pain. If you have ever had an animal flinch when you have run your hands down it's back, this is the reason why.

Sometimes the problem will resolve itself on it's own, but when it doesn't and the problem persists, symptoms appear in other parts of the body, depending on which area of the spine is involved. The changes might be subtle, such as digestive disturbances or behavioral changes, or they may be quite marked, such as the dragging of a hind limb or lameness. Regardless, this may be a good time to call in the chiropractor for an adjustment

It is impossible to achieve harmony and balance - the goal of all holistic therapies - without a free flowing of energy from the spinal cord to all parts of the body.

An adjustment is like oiling a squeaky door hinge

An adjustment is like fixing a door hinge (the spinal column) that squeaks when opened. without use, the hinge has become rusty and won't move easily; its range of motion has been compromised. When Chiropractors do an adjustment, they remove the rust and add oil, allowing the hinge to swing freely. The adjustment realigns out-of-place vertebrae and corrects fixations (a joint fixed in its position). The movement involved in adjusting an animal requires more finesse than it does strength, explains Dr. Staples. "It is a gentle focus on an area." The usual range of motion is re-introduced, allowing the joint to self-lubricate with synovial fluid. As long as there continues to be motion between the two faces of the joint, the synovial fluid will be released, and motion will become easier.

Chiropractic theory also believes in the body's natural ability to heal itself. "I try to be the facilitator for animals," explains Dr. Staples "and allow it to maintain a balanced internal environment, or homeostasis. Chiropractic adjustments work with the body to express this natural ability.

Depending on their practice, animal Chiropractors either treat animals in their office or make house (or barn) calls. Dr. Staples travels to people's farms or houses to see their animal companions, and finds that allowing animals to remain in a familiar environment helps them to be at ease. The session begins with some quality time where doctor and animal get to know one another and gain trust. Using gentle stroking and non-threatening body postures, she assures the animal that she is there to help, not to harm. She observes the animal to find out as much as she can do about how the pet is feeling. "I firmly believe that animals are quite adept at communicating with us. We just don't pick up on their body language," says Dr. Staples.

Throughout the initial and subsequent visits, a special connection is formed between her and the animal. With each adjustment, the animal learns that Dr. Staples is a friend that listens and a friend that heals. She intuitively feels through her hands what the animal is experiencing, and has come to believe that "the power of touch goes beyond words."

And how does Dr Staples feel about her clients? "The incredible look in those animals' eyes and those slurps up the face," she explains, "that kind of stuff you can't put a price on."

Animal chiropractors will completely asses your animal's case and discuss your pet's health with you, as well as with your regular veterinarian. The cost of an initial exam, assessment, and first adjustment can vary from $50 to $150 for large animals, and from between $30 to $65 for small animals. Follow-up visits involve a brief exam and an adjustment and are usually less expensive. There may be a traveling fee, depending on how far away you are, and the frequency of visits depends on the severity of the case. Before you allow anyone to adjust your animal, be sure that he or she is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Animal Chiropractic can help with the following conditions:

Lameness or stiffness after a fall or accident

Irregular movements, such as dragging a limb

Difficulties in getting up and down or climbing stairs

Changes in temperament or performance

Decreased activity levels

Arthritis (animals contort their spines in an effort to relieve chronic pain)

Ailments including epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, wobbles-like symptoms, lick sores, and geriatric problems

Back and neck pain or weakness

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Animal Chiropractors Heal Through the Power of Touch