Veterinary Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic
CALL US AT 713-991-9500
Specializing in complementary therapies and rehabilitation
Veterinary Chiropractic
Veterinary Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic Services
Veterinary Chiropractic is a drug-free, healing science that restores proper biomechanics and function to the spine and nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments are used to correct subluxations or fixations of the vertebrae comprising the spinal column in order to restore proper movement or function. Subluxations or fixations can be caused from trauma, repetitive movements, bad habits and bad posture. Aging, stress, and the type of work a pet is required to perform can all contribute to subluxations. Indications for chiropractic care include problems involving the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Some specific conditions that chiropractic can help with include: osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, discospondylosis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), any back pain, neck pain, joint stiffness or pain, performance problems in working animals. Chiropractic care works well with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in addition to western veterinary medicine as a Holistic approach to preventive and maintenance health care for all animals.
The mission of Veterinary Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Clinic, P.C. is to aid in the well being of our patients through the use of veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy and rehabilitation, along with medications and proper nutrition and supplements. We will work with our patients regular veterinarian in order to achieve the best outcome for the patient and client. We will customize the treatment to fit the needs of each patient and client. At VCRC, we want the owner to be involved and participate in their pets treatment and will educate them so that they can help continue therapy at home. We want our patients and clients to enjoy coming and to be comfortable here at VCRC.
We provide a variety of services including:
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Acupuncture is one of the branches of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) and has been used in China on animals for over 3,000 years. TCVM is based on the belief that there is a vital force or energy, termed Qi flowing through the body. Disease is a result of a disruption or blockage of this flow. Qi flows along channels or meridians. There are fourteen major meridians in the body. Acupuncture points are specific points along the meridians which are stimulated using sharp, very thin needles to rebalance the Qi. Sometimes treatments may include electroacupuncture, where an electric stimulation is applied along the needles or aquapuncture, where a liquid is injected into the acupuncture point to prolong the treatment effect. Chinese herbal medications are commonly used in addition to acupuncture to prolong and aid in the effects of the acupuncture treatment. Indications for acupuncture include: musculoskeletal problems, neurological problems, respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, allergies, kidney problems, gastrointestinal disease, skin problems, and pain control.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal supplements are another branch of TCVM and are used in conjunction with acupuncture. The herbs are used to aid in treatment of specific disease conditions or to prevent problems. Chinese herbs aid in prolonging the effects of acupuncture. Herbs may take longer than western medications to take effect, are not quite as strong and in general have fewer side effects. Chinese herbs are considered the same as medications and should be prescribed for a patient based on exam findings and diagnosis.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional Counseling and food therapy is another branch of TCVM. After examining your pet and diagnosing any excesses or deficiencies that may be present according to TCVM principles, an appropriate diet can be formulated specifically for the pet. Foods have energy and are classified as hot or cold. Certain foods are also thought to help with certain diseases or strengthen certain organ systems. Foods may be added to a pet’s regular diet or special homemade diets may be prepared for them. Proper diet is essential to the overall health of all animals. Nutritional supplements may also be prescribed to help with certain problems such as arthritis, cancer and age related diseases.
Cold LASER Therapy
Cold LASER Therapy is the use of low level laser or “cold” laser light. The wavelengths of the lasers commonly used range from 650nm, which can penetrate up to 15nm, to 950nm, which can penetrate up to 5 cm. Common uses for laser therapy are to decrease inflammation, increase wound and soft tissue healing, speed up bone healing and decrease chronic pain. Lasers can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points for those animals that are unable to tolerate needles.
Therapeutic Exercise is an important component of rehabilitation of an injured or arthritic pet. The goals of therapeutic exercise are to improve range of motion, decrease pain, increase muscle mass and strength, improve balance and endurance, and to help prevent any further injury. Exercises are customized to target the muscle groups that need strengthened in each individual patient.
Therapeutic Exercise
Underwater Treadmill
Ferno Aquapaws and AquaPacer Underwater Treadmills provide aquatic therapy for the rehabilitation and conditioning for dogs and horses. The Aquapaws for dogs and the Aquapacer for horses use the natural buoyancy of water to provide a low-impact workout. Benefits of underwater treadmill therapy include: reduction of weight bearing to 40-60%, decreased impact on joints, pain reduction, increased blood flow and reduction of swelling, soft tissue mobilization. The underwater treadmills help to build up muscle and endurance faster than swimming since the animal is partially weight bearing and this allows for shortened rehabilitation times and quicker return to regular activities. The underwater treadmill workouts can be tailored to each animal’s needs by adjusting the water level, speed of the belt and workout time.
Neuromuscular Stimulation is a procedure that applies low level electric current through electrodes applied to the skin to cause a muscle contraction. This technique is used in cases of muscle or nerve damage to build up muscle or to prevent the wasting or loss of muscle. It can be used to help with pain by causing the muscle to fatigue or fail, which blocks pain receptors. Uses of NMES are to increase muscle strength, prevent muscle atrophy or wasting, increase joint range of motion, decrease edema, decrease pain, and increase circulation and motor control.
Neuromuscular Stimulation
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound uses sound waves to stimulate and heat tissue. The increased tissue temperatures can increase metabolic and physiological effects of cells, which can increase blood flow and pain threshold and decrease muscle spasms. Indications for therapeutic ultrasound include: soft tissue scarring and contracture; inflammation; pain from trigger points and muscle spasms; tendinitis and bursitis.
Game Ready® Equine
Game Ready® Equine is the secret weapon of top riders and veterinarians for preventing injury in their horses and speeding recovery from a multitude of ailments. The Game Ready System is used for post-workout therapy, chronic lameness, acute lameness, cellulitis, tendinitis, pre- and post-operative care, bowed tendons, stocked-up legs, wind puffs, and more. Delivering dry cold and active compression, Game Ready Equine utilizes the same physical therapy and athletic training principles relied on by human athletes, calling for the use of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). http://www.gamereadyequine.com/
