How does it work?  Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect. Stimulation of these points causes both local effects (near the site of the needle) and systemic effects (body-wide activation of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems). Nerve transmission, connective tissue planes, metabolic components carried in blood such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients as well as the functional energy of an organ system all benefit from acupuncture.  

Arthritis, disc disease, incontinence, neck pain, back pain, athletic injury, general wear and tear in the athlete or active pet, sacroiliac disease, muscle strains/tears, post-surgical/non-surgical stifle disease, seizure disorders, hip dysplasia, MMM (masticatory muscle myositis) and many more.

When a joint becomes restricted in its range of motion (hypomobile or ‘locked-up’), through trauma, repetitive injury, degenerative changes, or structural stresses, the surrounding tissues are affected. This further affects the joints’ ability to move freely and sensitive structures are activated causing the area to be sensitive or painful. Nerves are the communication links between all tissues in the body to the brain and spinal cord; when joint dysfunction is present, messages to other areas are also affected, which can lead to pain, weakness, reduced function, and compensatory changes. Animal chiropractic focuses on the restoration of movement and the promotion of health by restoring normal joint mechanics and soft-tissue function, thus, normalizing neurological patterns that facilitate healing. The main tool an animal chiropractor uses to restore joint motion is called an “adjustment”, or veterinary spinal manipulation. This gentle, specialized, manual skill, involves the application of a quick, low-force maneuver that is directed to a specific area of a joint at a specific angle. In the state of Idaho, only a licensed veterinarian who has completed additional training in chiropractic care is legally allowed to perform adjustments on animals.  In addition to her veterinary degree, Dr. Crawford has completed over 300 hours of veterinary chiropractic training and is a member of the IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association).

Chiropractic is an excellent modality for animals of all stages to maintain their mobility and strength.  Animals adjusted regularly are more balanced and less likely to become injured.  Other conditions treated with chiropractic include: spinal issues, arthritis, disc disease, stiff neck or back, poor topline, lack of collection/impulsion, gait abnormalities, seizure disorders, hip dysplasia, incontinence and many more.