Veterinary chiropractic work focuses on maintaining and restoring the health of your horse's nervous system through identifying vertebral subluxation complexes and performing the appropriate adjustments in the spinal column or extremities. Your horse will be examined in static and dynamic motion. The veterinarian’s hands are used to assess the amount of motion/restriction in joints, spasm of muscles, flexibility, asymmetry, etc.
When a joint is found to have decreased motion, a specific, low amplitude, high velocity thrust (i.e. adjustment) is performed. This restores appropriate communication between nerves in the nervous system. Veterinary chiropractic work may be used as an integrative treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, such as back, sacroiliac, and neck pain. Depending on your horse's history and examination, a period of rest may be recommended after treatment. A plan for future examinations will be discussed at the appointment, if needed. Some equine athletes are maintained on a monthly schedule while others may be examined once to twice yearly.
Dr. Rebecca James performs chiropractic work at San Dieguito Equine Group. She completed training for Veterinary Chiropractic at Options for Animals and was certified in Veterinary Chiropractic by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.