Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT)

 What is it?

VSMT is the use of a short, rapid (high velocity, low amplitude) thrust to restore a full pain-free range of motion to joints. This thrust is called an adjustment.  The area of the spine that does not move like it normally should is called a subluxation. It is a malalignment of the vertebral articulations.  When the subluxated area of the spine does not move like it should, it affects the nerves by not allowing the nerves to fire as they should. When nerves don't fire like they should, negative effects occur on sensory output and motor output.

What Conditions can VSMT help?

  • Back, neck, leg, or tail pain
  • TMJ problems
  • Head tilt
  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Disc problems
  • Pain associated with hip dysplasia
  • Sports injuries
  • Degenerative arthritis
  • Sensitivity to touch during grooming or petting
  • Incontinence
  • Anal sac disease
  • Discomfort when riding (horses)
  • Refusal to be saddled (horses)
  • Inability to engage rear quarters (horses)

How long will treatments take?

The length of treatment depends on several different factors:

  • Age of the patient
  • Current physical condition
  • Length of time the condition has existed
  • The severity of the condition