What is Integrative Health Care?

The overarching goal of integrative medicine, according to the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians: to “achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible for the patient.” Modalities that help accomplish this include massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation, among others.

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Benefits of Integrative Medicine

Alleviate pain
Relieve sore musculature and arthritic joints
Improve symptoms during disease processes, improved sleep, and
Reduces anxiety (see study by
Gannotta et. al below)
Allows you to directly participate in your pet’s health

When Should I Consider Integrative Medicine?

Prevention: When your pet is treated before injuries or diseases occur, this can maintain their current health and prevent further issues.

Management: Injuries, orthopedic conditions, muscle soreness, arthritis, allergies, anxiety, and many other conditions can be managed with integrative medicine in conjunction with treatments your pet is already getting.

How Sessions Work

After a thorough assessment where a physical exam is performed, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Exam is performed, where the overall energy balance and health of your pet will be assessed in a form of medicine that has been around for thousands of years. This will be used as a combination of information to best treat your pet! The needles are left in for around 30 minutes. Massage, injections of diluted Vitamin B12, or electroacupuncture can often be combined with the treatment to ensure best results.

Acupuncture

Thin needles are used to stimulate nerve endings and key pressure and trigger points in order to communicate with the body to help it heal itself. This can be anything from a knot in a muscle to abdominal pain to anxiety! It is an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited form of pain control.

Massage

This modality is a great complementary therapy to both acupuncture and chiropractic care. It functions in animals just like it does in humans! Massage promotes relaxation, alleviates anxiety, manages muscle soreness, and prolongs the effects of acupuncture and chiropractic therapies. It can be incorporated into your pet’s treatment and structured according to their needs.