Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions in both humans and animals. In veterinary acupuncture, fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on your dog’s body to stimulate their natural healing abilities.
Chiropractic (Veterinary Orthopaedic Manipulation method)
Veterinary Orthopaedic Manipulation (VOM-style technique) is a low-force, instrument-assisted manual therapy approach used within complementary animal care. It involves the application of gentle, precise mechanical impulses to areas of the spine and joints with the aim of supporting normal musculoskeletal function, mobility, and comfort in dogs and cats. It is used as part of a broader holistic approach to help maintain everyday movement and wellbeing alongside routine veterinary care.
Infrared Laser Therapy
Like acupuncture and massage, laser therapy lessens pain, relaxes muscles, and improves circulation. It accomplishes this by altering the physiology of cells and tissue by means of light (photons) instead of an acupuncture needle or manual pressure. The term "laser" originated as an acronym that describes its process ~ Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It works by sending a very specific type of infrared light into the muscle tissue, joint or nerve tissue, which stimulates the cells within the area to release an endorphin. This endorphin has an immediate pain relieving sensation which allows the soft tissue in the area relax. The LASER also has the effect of stimulating the cells to produce more ATP (energy), which increases the rate of recovery and allows the muscle/ nerve/ joint tissue to recover from injury or an abnormal state faster. This treatment is extremely effective on animals and allows the patients which may not like the idea of acupuncture to still receive a pain relieving and effective treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Chinese Herbal Medicine is part of a larger healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes acupuncture, massage, dietary advice and exercise. The herbology term is misleading in the sense that, while plant elements are by far the most commonly used substances, animal, human, and mineral products are also utilised (but usually only plant elements are used). Such elements are prescribed to restore energy balance to the opposing forces of energy –Yin and Yang– that run through invisible channels in the body. By introducing these herbal elements to the body, it can adjust the levels or hormones, regulate metabolism, and allow the organs of the body to return to a normal healthy state.
Supplementation and Nutrition
We discuss natural supplement and nutrition requirements for every patient. In many cases, these are overlooked as forms of treatment. Natural supplements and nutrition play essential roles in the healing process. We always make sure to address these aspects, offering possible recommendations to ensure your animal companion receives all the support needed.
Myotherapy and Trigger Point Therapy
Myotherapy is form of manual therapy which focuses on the support and management of musculoskeletal pain and associated pathologies. To enhance health and restore function, Myotherapy incorporates trigger point therapy plus a wide range of soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, behaviour and lifestyle modifications and exercise prescription.
The word myofascial means muscle tissue (myo) and the connective tissue in and around it (fascia). Myofascial pain often results from muscle injury or repetitive strain. When stressed or injured, muscles often form trigger points, palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers, or "knots". Once trigger points are released the muscle needs to be moved throughout its full range. Simple limbering movements done by the patient at home are important in the retraining of the muscle. While these techniques can be used at home (after guidance we can offer), trigger points (particular sore points) are normally a manifestation (side effect) of other issues; once the spinal condition/joint complaint/nerve compression/muscle tear has been addressed, in most cases the trigger points tend to disappear as a result.
