Spinal Adjustments

Our very own Dr. Rosie Hatcher is now certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT).  Dr. Hatcher was certified by the Healing Oasis and is a Fellow of the College of Animal Chiropractors.  That means she can provide spinal exams and adjustments for your dog, just like your chiropractor does for you. VSMT can be very beneficial for pets! When segments of the spine do not move correctly, this can cause pain and diseases either locally or throughout the body. Adjusting the spine, the main thoroughfare of the nervous system, can help with the treatment of many diseases. VSMT also helps control pain by increasing positive nerve pathways and decreasing pain pathways. Only licensed veterinarians and chiropractors are allowed to perform VSMT in the state of Wisconsin. During a spinal manipulation session, Dr. Hatcher will gently manipulate segments of the spine and other joints. If lack of motion or abnormal motion is found, an adjustment will be made.  Dr. Hatcher will then design a course of treatment specifically for your animal and their condition.  If you think your dog could benefit from a session with Dr. Hatcher, please give us a call to set up a consultation with her.  

 

 

VETERINARY SPINAL MANIPULATION THERAPY (VSMT)

 

What is VSMT?

It is a form of medicine that bases diagnosis and treatment of disease on the spinal cord and vertebral column. When segments of the spine do not move correctly, this can cause pain and diseases either locally or throughout the body. Adjusting the spine, the main thoroughfare of the nervous system, can help with the treatment of many diseases.

 

Is VSMT Safe?

It is considered very safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Only licensed veterinarians and chiropractors are allowed to perform VSMT in the state of Wisconsin. Every animal is evaluated by a veterinarian before having VSMT to rule out any problems that could be aggravated by manipulation therapy.

 

How Does VSMT Work?

During a spinal manipulation session, Dr. Hatcher will gently manipulate segments of the spine and other joints. If lack of motion or abnormal motion is found, an adjustment will be made. An adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust applied in a precise manner to restore normal joint motion.

 

How Does VSMT Affect the Body?

There is evidence that VSMT helps control pain by increasing positive nerve pathways and decreasing negative or pain pathways. Positive pathways help promote the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the body such as endorphins. VSMT can cause changes in organ functions because the nervous system controls all of the body's functions, including internal organs. This also demonstrates why VSMT should only be performed by qualified practitioners and always under the guidance of a veterinarian.

 

When Should VSMT NOT Be Performed or Performed With Caution?

• Cancer

• Organ Failure

• Broken Bones

• Dislocated or Sprained Joints

• History of Seizures

• Immune-mediated Disease

• Acute Trauma

 

How Long Does A VSMT Session Last?

An appointment can last between 30-60 minutes. Plan on longer sessions for first time evaluations.

 

How Often Will My Pet Need Treatments?

Dr. Hatcher will design a course of treatment specifically for your animal and their condition. You should be prepared to commit to at least three treatments to correctly evaluate your pet's response to VSMT. Initially treatments are scheduled closely together. As your pet improves the need for VSMT decreases and sessions will become less frequent.

 

Conditions That Respond to VSMT

• Lameness

• Poor Performance

• Muscular Changes

• Head Tilt

• Back/Neck Pain

• Sudden Behavior Changes

• Difficulty Following Commands

• Incontinence

• Overall Weakness

 

If you have any questions regarding VSMT or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hatcher, please feel free to give us a call.