What is Animal Chiropractic?

 


 

Animal chiropractic, just like chiropractic for people, is mainly concerned with the nervous system and with the function of joints, especially those of the spine. The spine surrounds and protects the spinal cord, which is the part of the nervous system that connects the brain with the rest of the body.

 

If there is abnormal movement or positioning of spinal joints (often called chiropractic subluxations), there is usually a disruption to the local nerve traffic which can result in symptoms such as pain, spasm, weakness, lameness, incoordination etc. Animal chiropractors are trained to locate and correct this dysfunction, restoring the proper functioning of the nervous system. The most common method used is by applying a chiropractic adjustment. This is a gentle, safe and effective technique. Fiona believes in giving the patient time to relax and aims to keep the assessment and treatment as stress-free as possible.

 

Often soft tissue techniques, like massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretches are used to release spasm and increase range of motion. Where an adjustment is not appropriate, other techniques can be used.

 

Animal chiropractors may also treat other joints in the body, such as hips, shoulders, stifles (knees), hocks etc.

 

Advice on life style adaptations and exercises to assist with rehabilitation often assist with progress. Where a condition cannot be attributed to a biomechanical cause the patient will be referred to a vet.

 

Qualified animal chiropractors in Australia have graduated from a minimum of a 5 year degree in chiropractic, osteopathy or veterinary science, followed by a 2 year Graduate Diploma in Animal Chiropractic (RMIT) or in Animal Biomechanical Medicine (BHI).

 

If Fiona does not service your area, go to www.abmprof.com.au to find a fully qualified animal chiropractor/ ABM practitioner in your location.