VETERINARY SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY (VSMT)

Veterinary spinal manipulative therapy (VSMT) is a term that is used in Wisconsin; certified veterinarians and chiropractors in other states may refer to this therapy as “animal chiropractic”, depending on their state regulations.  Dr. Kate Carlson earned her certification in VSMT from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in the spring of 2011.  Healing Oasis is state-approved (through the Wisconsin Education Approval Board) and nationally-accredited (through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training recognized under the U.S. Department of Education), and approved by the College of Animal Chiropractic (CoAC) and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).  The VSMT program is a 226-hour post-graduate intensive course available only to licensed chiropractors and veterinarians.  You may read more at www.healingoasis.edu. Dr. Kate is also a member in good standing of CoAC. The latter college requires successful completion of an approved program and testing for certification of competency given by the organization to become a recognized member.  Requirements for the CoAC are strict and yearly continuing education is necessary to remain a member.

Spinal adjustments address subluxations in the spinal column, pelvis, limbs, and head.  Subluxations are mechanical restrictions within joints that restrict normal movement, causing pain and dysfunction among other neuro-anatomical changes.  An adjustment corrects subluxations by applying a short lever, high velocity, controlled thrust directed in the specific angle of the joint being worked on.  It is used mainly to treat musculoskeletal conditions to restore movement and relieve pain. 

Adjustments can be of great benefit to many of our patients, including athletes, working dogs, seniors, and dogs born with less-than-ideal conformation of the spine and joints.  Regular VSMT care keeps the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatics working correctly. 

Conditions that may benefit from adjustments include:

Pain of the neck, back, legs, and hips

Temperomandibular joint (TMJ) pain

Intervertebral disc disease

Trauma: injuries from slips, falls, jumps

Athletic injuries: fly-ball, agility, hunting, horsing around

Muscle spasms

Issues seemingly unrelated to the spine: ear infections, partial urinary incontinence, internal medicine conditions

We may recommend spinal manipulation for issues found on your pet’s annual examination.  You may also request an adjustment if your pet has evidence of pain or lameness or for maintenance of a healthy pet. If you are scheduling an appointment for a second opinion, please have all medical records sent to the clinic prior to the appointment and bring any x-rays along with you.  For any new problems, the first step is a complete physical and neurological examination and history.  X-rays, bloodwork, and/or other diagnostics may also be recommended prior to an adjustment.  Our goal is to first make a thorough assessment and decide whether an adjustment and/or other treatment is appropriate.  The final treatment recommendations will be made based on all history, examination, and diagnostic findings.  You can expect some homework to help your pet maintain adjustments and gain strength in certain muscle groups, as indicated. 

As a certified provider of VSMT, Dr. Carlson is excited to be able to provide this natural health care therapy.  We have seen many patients benefit from VSMT and look forward to helping your pet!