Chiropractic for Dogs? What We Actually Do (And Don’t Do) at Austin Canine Rehab
Canine chiropractic has been growing in popularity. As dog owners look for ways to keep their beloved pets as healthy as possible, the idea of taking them to a dog chiropractor is appealing to many.
Most likely, you are here because you are keenly interested in optimizing your dog’s health. Whether there is already a health challenge in place, or you are trying to find ways to maintain health for years to come, exploring chiropractic treatment is a logical step.
But is it the right direction for your dog? Let’s take a closer look below.
Understanding the Buzz Around Canine Chiropractic
Part of the appeal of canine chiropractic care is the increasing focus on holistic treatment. This is an approach that doesn’t require medications or surgery, so many pet owners are naturally drawn in this direction.
Many people have also found success personally with chiropractic care. If you have experienced relief from pain or improved mobility through chiropractic treatment, you might be inclined to think the same type of approach would work nicely for your pet.
So What Do We Do? Mobilizations vs. Manipulations
So, do we offer traditional chiropractic manipulations at Austin Canine Rehab? No, we do not. What we offer are joint mobilizations, which might sound like the same thing, but there is an important distinction here that you should understand.
The difference between mobilization and manipulation can be seen in the Maitland grading scale. This scale is broken up into five grades, as outlined below.
Grades 1-2
The first two grades on the scale encompass the early range of motion within a joint. At these two grades, the joint isn’t being moved dramatically, but the manipulations can be used to effectively bring down pain levels and promote overall relaxation.
Grades 3-4
At this point in the scale, the mobilizations get a little more significant. These movements get closer to the end of the range of motion for a given joint. They are used to improve mobility and restore flexibility that may have been lost. Mobilizations in this range can also help promote joint awareness by engaging pressure receptors in the joint. While grades three and four are getting closer to the limits of a joint, the movements are still controlled and gentle.
Grade 5
This is where you find the manipulations that you probably associate with traditional chiropractic care. These are adjustments that include an aggressive thrust that will lead to a “popping” or “cracking” sound in the joint. We do not perform these kinds of treatments at Austin Canine Rehab.
Why We Use Mobilizations as One of Many Tools
While we don’t do manipulations on the dogs we treat, we are proud to provide joint mobilizations as part of our treatment programs. We believe in the ability of joint mobilizations to play a crucial role in recovery and managing age-related mobility limitations.
On their own, joint mobilizations shouldn’t be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather than being used in isolation, we view them as a piece of the bigger puzzle. Once we bring in additional treatments like manual therapy, strengthening exercises, balance work, and more, there will be a comprehensive treatment plan in place that leads your pet directly toward a healthier future.
Of course, it should be mentioned that not every dog will benefit from joint mobilizations. We don’t always use this type of care – it’s simply an option that we have available to us when building a plan. We’ll work together with you to understand your dog’s needs and how our various services can come together to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Risks of High-Velocity Thrusts in Dogs
There is a place for canine chiropractic care and the more aggressive grade five manipulations that come with it. However, it’s important to understand that this kind of treatment comes with some risks and should be utilized with caution.
The biggest risk here is related to the potential of an underlying condition. If your dog has an undiagnosed disc herniation or spinal disease, manipulations can be dangerous. Performing an aggressive high-velocity thrust adjustment on a dog with an underlying condition could lead to serious complications or unwanted outcomes. If you are going to pursue this kind of treatment, be absolutely sure that you are working with a licensed professional who is trained and experienced in this area.
What to Expect from Rehab Sessions with Us
We encourage you to think about working with Austin Canine Rehab as a partnership. You, your dog, and our certified canine rehabilitation therapist will all be working closely together to achieve great results. The sessions are tailored to your dog’s condition and your goals for the future. Joint mobilizations may be used, along with other services, to take meaningful steps in the right direction.
Ready to learn more? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a call today or fill out the form here on our site and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Chiropractic care can be safe when it is performed by a licensed veterinary chiropractor. It’s essential that this work is done by someone who has been trained specifically to work with animals. With that said, it’s not the right option for every dog, and joint mobilization as part of a broader rehabilitation strategy may be a better approach in your situation.
-
We don’t do the kind of treatment that is going to lead to a popping or cracking sound. Instead, we offer gentle and controlled joint mobilizations that are designed to keep your dog comfortable and deliver improved mobility over time.
-
There are a number of potential benefits to be enjoyed through joint mobilizations. This kind of treatment can help a dog deal with arthritis, recover from an injury, or address other age-related concerns. When done properly by trained professionals, you may find that joint mobilizations allow your pet to move freely again without the pain that has been holding them back.
-
We do not provide traditional chiropractic care at Austin Canine Rehab. Instead, we offer certified canine rehabilitation therapy that may include grade 1-4 joint mobilizations as part of a movement-based approach to treatment. Feel free to contact us to discuss the challenges your dog is facing and learn more about how our services could lead to a healthier, brighter future.
