Chiropractic is a widely recognised practice that is known for the treatment and prevention of back pain in people. What most people don’t know is that it is just as effective on animals
Injuries, postural dysfunction and structural imbalance all lead to areas of compensation in the spine and the function of the nervous system is compromised.
Dogs
- Dogs are prone to specific areas of imbalance and tension due to their breed disposition which may cause early onset arthritis and neurological compromise.
- They develop bad habits and dysfunctional movement patterns when they run, jump, sit or lie down.
- Certain injuries could cause compensation in movement/ lameness which may cause more loading and strain to other areas of the body.
- Stiffness in movement, hesitancy when moving, lameness or a behavioural change are all signs that your dog may have spinal restriction and may need to be checked by a professional.
- Dogs also benefit from having maintenance treatment to prevent any areas of tension from building and to ensure healthy functional movement.
Horses
- Horses are also prone to areas of restriction in the joints of the spine.
- Riders commonly pass on their own imbalances onto the horse and change the biomechanics.
- It is easy for a rider to pick up signs of imbalance as the horse will often feel stiff when moving, more restricted on one reign, there may also be postural signs such as sway back, difficulty standing square or carrying hind or head to one side.
The treatment
Chiropractic is a treatment which uses gentle manipulations to restore functional motion within the spine. It removes any nerve interference or faulty signalling which helps to provide better brain/body communication and activates healthy muscle control.