What to Expect
The chiropractor will begin by obtaining a detailed case history consisting of previous medical history and if applicable, previous diagnoses and therapies received.
A thorough chiropractic evaluation will then be done. This will include posture, gait analysis, spinal and extremity joint motion palpation. Evaluation is done prior to chiropractic adjustments.
After concluding the plan of management best suited to your animal, a chiropractic treatment will then be done by the chiropractor. This is a specific high velocity, low amplitude thrust applied to the area of decreased or restricted range of motion. Adjustments are done to restore normal joint movement and causes little to no pain. Most animals enjoy being adjusted.
Normal response to treatment can be immediate improvement, or in the first 24-72 hours following, however, the results depend on a number of variables. Some of these variables include the age of the animal, the cause of injury if there was one, the length of time there has been a change in the normal range of motion and the severity of the change.
Some animals show great improvement in the first few days to a week, and then you may notice a relapse from the initial complaint. This is not unusual, it is part of the normal healing process. Let your chiropractor know if you notice a relapse of symptoms, as this will help the chiropractor determine the expected rate of response and expected healing time. Initial relapses are usually resolved in 2-3 treatments and then your animal should respond positively.
A follow up treatment is usually required 1-2 weeks after the initial consultation to continue the healing process. If improvement is noted, subsequent visits may be spread out further.
Depending on the activity level of your pet and if it participates in a sport of any kind, chiropractic maintenance care is usually recommended with an adjustment anywhere from once a month to up to once every six months. This is to maintain optimum health of the animal and the chiropractor should talk to you about what is best for your animal.
Rehabilitation exercises may be given to enhance performance or help the animal recover from injury.