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Veterinary Medical Manipulation


Veterinary joint manipulation is very similar to chiropractic - the examination and manipulations have the same goal, which is to restore normal function and range of motion. Chiropractic is limited to use in humans and must be performed by a doctor of chiropractic. When applied to animals, this type of manipulative therapy is correctly called veterinary medical manipulation (VMM)


VMM begins with a thorough exam of virtually every joint, including the pet's spine and limb joints to find restrictions or areas of decreased range of motion. Specific manipulations, or adjustments, are used to restore normal range of motion (ROM) and normal function to the joint(s). These manipulations involve a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust directed in the plane of the joint to correctly and safely restore ROM. The technique is surprisingly gentle, and requires extensive training with specific knowledge of veterinary anatomy.


What are Restrictions?

A restriction is an area of the spine or of a joint that is “restricted” and unable to move normally. Restrictions can be caused by trauma, lack of exercise (or the wrong kind of exercise/strain on joints), genetics and age. Common areas for restrictions include the TMJ (jaw), lower neck, ribs, back, pelvis and sacrum. Using the terms “out” and “stuck” can be misleading. Adjustments (spinal/joint manipulations) do not actually put bones back into place, but rather free up movement of the whole motion unit (bones, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and muscles) to allow for more normal range of motion.


Why do restrictions need to be corrected?

Restrictions can interfere with normal nerve function and signals to and from the central nervous system. Muscle function is also affected. Decreased flexibility, poor/uncoordinated movement, increased stiffness, resistance and often pain are all secondary to the decreased range of motion caused by a restriction. Additionally, misaligned vertebrae in the spine can cause problems where nerves exit and enter at the level of the spinal cord; small joints exist between vertebrae and these small intervertebral foramina (opening between spinal bones) allow nerves, blood vessels and other fluids to move to and from the rest of the body.  Restrictions here can be painful. Animals may have a change in posture or compensate their gait in order to avoid pain; this can create further restrictions, additional injuries and/or lameness. 


Furthermore, information flowing through the nervous system can be slowed, decreasing the ability of the nervous systems to send and receive information to and from muscles, resulting in missteps/tripping, shortened strides, muscle damage and atrophy, joint and tendon injury and poor performance.


How are restrictions corrected?

Restrictions can be corrected by a manipulation adjustment, or in some cases, just gently motioning of a restricted motion unit. This involves proper knowledge of anatomy, specific training, and when necessary, a high velocity, low amplitude thrust directed in the plane of the joint. It does not require extreme strength. When performed correctly, this can remove the restriction and restore normal range of motion, nerve firing and function.


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