Chiropractic is the art, science and philosophy, which focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself, thus optimising and maintaining health and function.  

Manipulation has been in existence since 2000BC but it was DD Palmer who announced the discovery of chiropractic in 1895 when he set up the Palmer Infirmary of chiropractic cure in Iowa after he adjusted Harvey Lillard a school janitor who had become deaf following an incident in previous years. It was DD Palmer, using a chiropractic adjustment who restored his hearing. He then went on to not only teach but set up chiropractic schools around the US before his death in 1913. Students of DD Palmer branched out, developing the profession with new techniques and an improved education system. This led way for research, when the New Zealand Report in the ‘70’s was the first of its kind and recognised the significance of chiropractic treatment for low back pain and its role in primary healthcare. From this point onwards more advanced research has been carried out, but the chiropractic profession still only has 75 full time researchers. 

Chiropractic does not have a philosophy, it IS a philosophy, which encompasses the existence of universal intelligence which is an invisible force which brings organisation to matter and maintains its existence. Chiropractic uses and directs this innate intelligence, or innate ability of the body to heal itself. This was the original hypothesis, which Hippocrates believed back in 460BC, and which has remained strong to this day.  

DD Palmer's son, BJ promoted the chiropractic profession and began adjusting animals back in the 1940's. Animal chiropractic is a broadening of human chiropractic with techniques developed to be able to treat animals. The same philosophy, science and art is applied to the animal as with the human, with certain adaptations according to the variations in their anatomy. 

Recognition of Animal chiropractic began when the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association was established and this led to the development of the Options for Animals education programme which started in 1992. The world quarters for the Options for Animals course is currently based in Wellsville, Kansas, USA.  

What can animal chiropractic do for you?
We can treat a wide variety of issues associated with the canine, feline and equine, although animal chiropractic extends to animals beyond those kept as pets.  Chiropractic care can help with a variety of conditions or problems that you are encountering, and the following can be indicators that your animal needs to be checked by a certified animal chiropractor;

Equine Chiropractic

●       Behavioural changes i.e moody mare, knapping, bucking, rearing
●       Decreased performance level
●       Injuries resulting from trauma
●       Ongoing or intermittent lameness
●       Muscle weakness or imbalance
●       Training difficulties; poor collection/extend, incorrect leads, poor engagement
●       Difficulties when jumping; refusing, knocking poles, short strides
●       Non-musculoskeletal; colic, digestion, coughing, head shaking

Canine Chiropractic

●       Maintaining motion and flexibility
●       Training difficulties
●       Behavioural changes i.e biting, aggression, tension
●       Decreased performance level
●       Muscle weakness or imbalance
●       Weak, wobbly gait associated with degenerative joint conditions
●       Difficulties jumping either with agility or at home onto furniture
●       Injuries resulting from trauma

Reported benefits after Chiropractic care

●       Improved gait
●       Increased flexibility throughout the spine
●       Improved muscle tone and circulation
●       Improved stamina and quality of work
●       Improved attitude to work
●       Improvements in behaviour

IMPORTANT: Animal chiropractic should NOT replace primary care with your veterinarian and you must consult with your vet prior to commencing chiropractic treatment. However, with the referring Veterinarian’s approval chiropractic provides a perfect adjunct, whereby we can work together in treating your animal to restore function and maintain overall health and wellbeing.