EQUINE SPINAL MANIPULATION

SPINAL MANIPULATION - FAQ

What is Spinal Manipulation?

• The term chiropractor is certainly more obvious than spinal manipulation, the course that Dr. Boos took separates the two due to many states having legislation regarding the chiropractic is for humans and spinal manipulation is for animals. This is very similar to what you would expect from a chiropractor, but it also includes temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and distal limb (shoulder/hip to foot).

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Don’t you have to be very strong to manipulate (adjust) a horse?​

• The course teaches HVLA (high velocity, low amplitude) technique. Horses are fairly adept at removing their own restrictions, sometimes only needing a little help to allow the restriction to be corrected.

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What kind of problems can be helped with spinal manipulation?

• Poor performance, bit problems, heaviness on the reins, difficulty turning or bending, difficulty stopping, difficulty with leads when loping/cantering, lameness that has been difficult to resolve, recovery from surgery or illness… the list goes on!

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Are there any reasons not to manipulate the spine?

• Yes, if your horse has an acute injury Dr. Liz or your regular veterinarian will want to diagnose and treat that first, but spinal manipulation can help keep your horse’s neuromuscular system well during recovery. Horses that are neurologic should not be manipulated. Severe muscle soreness may also need to be treated prior to manipulation.

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Why a veterinarian instead of an equine chiropractor?

• With this certification, Dr. Liz has learned even more about equine anatomy than she learned in Veterinary school, and she also has the knowledge that comes from being a veterinarian. If dental work is needed she can perform it, if your horse needs radiographs, they can be taken. The certification ensures your horse gets a very in-depth, thorough exam.