What is Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy or VSMT?

Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy is essentially ‘animal chiropractic therapy.’  It is a type of health care that is based upon human chiropractic principles that a healthy nervous system leads to a healthy body.  It can be a great additional therapy and may help manage pain from many different conditions ranging from primary spinal, musculoskeletal disorders as well as urinary incontinence and anal gland problems.

What typically goes on during a VSMT exam?

  • Areas called ‘motion units’, (which are essentially joints and all of their various components and how they move in relation to one another) are palpated and assessed for decreased motion or ‘hypomobility’ areas. This is most commonly identified in the spine, but is not limited to that region.
  • Once an area of decreased mobility is located, a specific, targeted type of adjustment, a high velocity, low amplitude thrust, is then applied to help the motion unit return to normal mobility. At no point is the normal anatomic integrity of the joint exceeded or disrupted.

Dr. Jennifer Carroll Wieners successfully completed an intensive, five-month VSMT post-graduate and state approved education certification program at The Healing Oasis Wellness Center under the direction of Dr. Pedro Luis Rivera (DVM, DACVSMR, FACFN).  She has also successfully completed an independent competency exam provided by the College of Animal Chiropractors and is now a proud fellow member of the College of Animal Chiropractors.

Happy Tail

VSMT patient with Dr. Jennifer

Lacey is a patient who received healing and transformation from VSMT treatment.

Read Lacey’s Story >>>

 

How can VSMT help my pet?

  • It may help reduce and alleviate pain.
  • It may help increase and improve mobility.
  • It may help increase stability of the musculoskeletal system
  • By reducing pain, increasing mobility, and improving the stability, the nervous system can perform at its best therefore allowing the body as a whole to be healthier!
  • VSMT need not be limited to injured or sick pets. Athletic animals may benefit from regular adjustments to help keep them in tip-top performance ability!
    • Examples can include, but are not limited to agility performance dogs, fly-ball performance dogs, hunting dogs, and even our dogs who have a fun weekend of playing and swimming with their family members can benefit from VSMT adjustments.

Learn more about other Integrative Medicine Therapies we offer.