Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT) Services

All pets can benefit from VSMT in some way or another. This is because everyday activities (jumping, playing with other pets, fetch, etc.) can cause minor injuries. Dr. Olivia offers VSMT to cats and dogs only at this time. Specific pets that may benefit especially from VSMT are geriatrics, performance dogs, post-surgical patients, and athletes.

This term must be used instead of the term ‘animal chiropractor’ because only a licensed chiropractor (DC) may use the title chiropractor (as such, a DC cannot say they are a veterinarian chiropractor).

VSMT delivers a small, quick thrust to a segment of the spine or other joint in the body. While some animals will be surprised by this new sensation, the treatment is gentle and carefully specialized to each patient’s needs.

The Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Center’s curriculum includes the following topics: musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, advanced neurology, chiropractic sciences, ethics and legalities, rehabilitation therapy, animal chiropractic/VSMT techniques, and functional diagnosis.

Every animal is different, but a commonly recommended treatment schedule would include visits every 7 days for a month, then monthly thereafter. Please consult with your veterinarian to customize this schedule to your pet’s needs.

It is important for your veterinarian to have a clear diagnosis of your pet’s illness or injury before treating it. This means that additional examination and diagnostics may be recommended first. Some patients may be denied VSMT if not deemed medically appropriate.

This depends on the plan you have signed up for – some plans include wellness visits, but others include only accident or injury.