Chiropractic for Horses

Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy (VSMT) involves delivering a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to a specific joint in a precise line of correction.

The foundation of VSMT or veterinary “chiropractic” is functional neurology. If there is decreased nerve output to areas of the body due to issues around the spine and peripheral nerves, weakness may result. Whenever there is an area of decreased range of motion, horses will begin to compensate in other areas, potentially leading to lameness issues. The goal after each session is to restore mobility in the spine and extremities to ultimately improve the health and function of the entire nervous system.

Coupled with a thorough soundness evaluation, VSMT is the perfect complement to traditional therapies. Some issues that can be helped with VSMT include neck and back soreness as well as sacro-illiac and other pelvic pain. Adjustments are also performed on the front and hind legs to help restore motion from the shoulder or hip to the coffin bone.