Veterinary Medical Manipulation: A Holistic Approach to Your Pet’s Wellness
Similar to chiropractic care in humans, Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) is a therapeutic modality involving the manipulation and adjustment of an animal’s spine and other joints to relieve restrictions.
A motion palpation examination helps identify areas of the body that aren’t moving normally. When a joint is restricted, its range of motion is limited, which causes pain, an irregular gait, weakened muscles, muscle spasms, and malnourished cartilage.
In the vertebrae, constraints may result in nerve impingement, which can cause lameness or limping, internal organ malfunction, and a weakened immune system.
VMM is safe but should only be performed by a veterinarian certified in the technique. Our very own Dr. Finley is certified and ready to help bring relief to your pets with VMM.
What are the goals of VMM?
VMM aims to identify areas in the body that are not moving normally and to restore a normal range of motion by applying specific, gentle manipulation techniques.
While VMM isn’t a substitute for conventional veterinary medicine, it’s a holistic modality that can enhance your pet’s health and ability to heal by improving biomechanics, nerve function, and immune response. At Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, we also offer acupuncture—another holistic modality that may complement VMM.
What are signs that my pet may benefit from Veterinary Medical Manipulation?
If your pet is experiencing any of the following, VMM may help.
Abnormal gait
Abnormal posture or stance
Sitting to one side of the body
Reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs
Stiffness or reluctance to bend
Pain during specific movements or when lifted
Hypersensitivity to touch
Discomfort when being groomed
VMM should be used with caution in pets with fractures, pregnancy, severe skin disease, spinal instability, and any significant disease processes.
What conditions respond well to VMM?
Lameness without a structural cause
Back and neck pain
Chronic musculoskeletal problems such as sacroiliac disease, hip dysplasia, locating patellas, or arthritis
Intervertebral disc disease
Nerve pain, such as sciatic neuralgia
Geriatric-onset conditions limiting mobility and function
What are the benefits of VMM?
Improved joint range of motion
Reduced pain
Reduced muscle tension
Improved organ function
Normalized gastrointestinal and reproductive systems
Will VMM hurt my pet?
No. VMM involves specific, gentle manipulations that work within the normal range of motion of the joint and often results in immediate relief from pain. Most animals enjoy their treatment.
How safe is VMM?
VMM is safe when performed by a veterinarian trained and certified in the technique. Side effects are rare and usually limited to minimal discomfort that typically lasts no more than 1-2 days.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments required depends on the nature, severity, and duration of the disease process.
Sessions are generally spaced 1-4 weeks apart when a disease process is present. A single treatment may effectively treat a minor or acute problem, while a severe or chronic problem may require three or more sessions for maximum improvement.
VMM can be performed as a preventive wellness treatment every 1-3 months to aid in the prevention of injuries and disease.
A Lifetime of Health and Happiness
At Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, we’re dedicated to keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy. Veterinary medical manipulation is a holistic way to enhance your pet’s wellness.
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