Acupuncture & Chiropractic

 

Dr. Katie Sisk has undergone extensive training and certification in veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic to provide an integrative approach to improving the performance, health and comfort of horses, swine and cattle.

Acupuncture and/or Chiropractic can help address:

  • Abnormal or varied posture when standing

  • Discomfort when saddled and/or ridden

  • Wringing tail or pinning the ears

  • Poor performance

  • Development of abnormal behavior

  • Sensitivity to touch

  • Navicular pain

  • Facial paralysis

  • Laminitis

  • Arthritis

  • Heaves/COPD

  • Poor appetite

  • Reproductive problems

  • Recurrent uveitis

  • Behavioral problems

  • Non-healing wounds

Chiropractic

 

Chiropractic cares focuses on the health and proper function of the spinal column, however, the pelvis, limbs and head are also considered.

Chiropractic uses controlled forces applied to specific joints or anatomic regions to cause a therapeutic response due to induced changes in joint structures, muscle function and neurological reflexes. The common principle in all chiropractic theory is that joint dysfunction affects the normal neurological balance found in healthy individuals.

 The spinal column should be considered from the standpoint of a “motor unit”. This consists of two adjacent vertebrae and all their associated soft tissue structures – muscles and ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and all the contents of the intervertebral space. Any disruption to the normal function of the motor unit is defined as a “vertebral subluxation complex.” Adjustments are then done to correct this disruption and restore normal joint motion. From a chiropractic standpoint, there is no “bone out of place”. 

Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. Clinical scientific research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of both animals and humans.

Reactivity of acupuncture points and triggers can be a sign of a local issue, or be a sign of a referred problem. When palpating acupuncture points, the examiner is looking for any signs of reactivity or abnormal findings. The veterinary acupuncturist then assesses which points were reactive and their relationship to meridians or local anatomy. Reactivity at certain acupuncture points can suggest areas of the body to examine more closely. This reactivity does not constitute a diagnosis, but gives the veterinarian an additional tool to aid in locating a problem and making a diagnosis

Acupuncture techniques vary with the patient temperament, treatment goal or imbalance identified.

Dry needling is the use of the typical acupuncture needle that consists of a solid shaft with a handle. Needles vary in length and diameter.

Aquapuncture is the injection of fluid into the acupuncture point. This process leaves behind a liquid that continues to treat the point with pressure over a period of time sa it is absorbed.

Electroacupuncture/Electrostimulation involves attaching electrodes to the acupuncture needles and applying a pulsating electrical current to them. Research has shown that there are varying physiological responses to different types and frequencies.

Cold Laser/Infra-red (IR) Stimulators are useful in stimulating acupuncture points that are difficult to treat any other way. This can be due to point location or patient temperament.

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