Unlocking Comfort and Mobility: What to Know About Pet Chiropractic Care

Animals Only Team
Jun 22
5 min read

SELF-CARE FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND

At Animals Only, we’re passionate about providing pets with thoughtful, integrative care that supports their health from head to tail. Our holistic approach blends advanced veterinary knowledge with therapies that enhance mobility, reduce pain, and help pets feel their best. One such therapy that’s making a big difference for many of our patients is Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM)—commonly known as pet chiropractic care.

As our pets age or face physical challenges, we may start to notice subtle changes: a dog hesitating before jumping into the car, a cat no longer leaping to their favorite perch, or a general stiffness after rest. While these signs can sometimes be chalked up to aging, they can also indicate deeper musculoskeletal issues that may be addressed through holistic, non-invasive therapies.

One increasingly popular approach is Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM), often referred to as animal chiropractic care. This precise, hands-on technique is performed by licensed veterinarians with specialized training in animal anatomy and neurology. Unlike traditional chiropractic care, which is designed for humans, VMM is tailored specifically to the unique needs and physiology of animals. It offers a safe and effective way to support your best friend’s overall health and well-being.

👐What Is Veterinary Medical Manipulation?

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is a specialized form of manual therapy aimed at restoring joint mobility, relieving pain, and enhancing nervous system function. Using gentle yet targeted adjustments, veterinarians trained in VMM identify and correct restrictions in your pet's spine and limbs. These restrictions, often subtle and difficult to detect without proper training, can lead to stiffness, muscle tension, and compensatory issues elsewhere in the body.

Just like in people, when a joint in a pet's body becomes restricted or misaligned, it can affect how surrounding muscles and tissues function. Over time, this can lead to reduced mobility, discomfort, and even behavioral changes. By restoring normal motion to these joints, VMM helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body.

🐕How Does VMM Benefit Pets?

VMM is an excellent complement to traditional veterinary care, especially for pets dealing with chronic pain, mobility issues, or recovering from injury. Some of the key benefits of VMM include:

Pain Relief: Targeted adjustments can alleviate joint and muscle pain caused by misalignments or compensatory patterns.
Improved Mobility: Pets often show increased ease of movement and flexibility following treatments.
Enhanced Athletic Performance: Active pets and working animals benefit from improved biomechanics and reduced injury risk.
Support for Aging Pets: Older animals can experience less stiffness and greater comfort.
Better Posture and Alignment: Proper alignment supports the whole body and can help prevent future injuries.

Importantly, VMM or pet chiropractic is most effective when incorporated into a broader integrative pet care plan. Many veterinary clinics, including ours, pair chiropractic adjustments with therapies like acupuncture, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and massage to maximize results and promote healing from a holistic perspective - all services we provide at Animals Only.

😺What Conditions Can VMM Help With?

While every pet is unique, there are several common conditions that may respond well to chiropractic care:

Limping or lameness
Difficulty rising, sitting, or lying down
Hesitation with stairs or jumping
Signs of pain when touched or picked up
Loss of coordination or balance
Chronic back, neck, or joint pain
Compensation from an old injury or surgery

For pets who have had orthopedic surgeries, VMM can help restore balance and prevent long-term compensation issues that might lead to discomfort elsewhere in the body. It’s also a valuable tool in recovery programs for pets coming off crate rest or transitioning back into normal activity.

🥰 What to Expect During a Veterinary Chiropractic Session

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is designed to be a calm, efficient, and stress-free experience for your pet. Sessions typically begin with a thorough assessment of your pet’s posture, movement, and any areas of discomfort. The veterinarian will gently palpate the spine and limbs to locate areas of restriction or dysfunction.

Using precise manual techniques, the vet will then make small, controlled adjustments to restore mobility and proper alignment. These adjustments are subtle—not the dramatic "cracks" you might associate with human chiropractic care. Many pets relax during the process, and some even seem to enjoy it!

After the session, your pet may be a little sleepy or energized, depending on how their body responds. Some pets show immediate improvement, while others may need several sessions to experience full benefits. Your veterinarian will help determine the appropriate frequency of visits based on your pet’s specific needs.

🎵 Creating a Calming, Pet-Centered Environment

At Animals Only, we believe the healing process starts the moment your pet walks through the door. That’s why we’ve designed our clinic to feel more like a sanctuary than a traditional vet office. The treatment areas are quiet, softly lit, and infused with calming pheromones, aromatherapy, and gentle music to ease anxiety and help pets relax. We use non-slip mats and cozy blankets to make each session as comfortable as possible—because your pet deserves to feel safe, supported, and at ease throughout their healing journey.

This calming environment is especially important for therapies like VMM, which require your pet to be relaxed and trusting. A peaceful space allows for more effective treatment and helps build positive associations with ongoing care.

🐾 Is VMM Safe for All Pets?

While Veterinary Medical Manipulation is safe for many pets, it's not appropriate in every case. Certain health conditions—such as fractures, infections, or some neurological issues—may require alternative approaches. That's why it's important to work with a veterinarian trained in VMM, who can assess your pet's overall health and determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.

If you're curious whether your pet is a good candidate, the best place to start is with a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Consultation. During this evaluation, a licensed veterinarian will examine your pet’s mobility, pain levels, and lifestyle to design a tailored treatment plan that may include VMM alongside other integrative therapies.

🖼️ The Big Picture: A Holistic Approach to Pet Wellness

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is more than just a treatment—it’s part of a proactive, whole-body approach to pet care. When used alongside other therapies, proper nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments, VMM can help your pet enjoy a more active, comfortable, and pain-free life.

Whether your pet is recovering from an injury, navigating the challenges of aging, or simply needing support to feel their best, VMM offers a gentle, effective, and scientifically grounded option for enhancing their quality of life.

💬 Interested in learning more about chiropractic care for your pet?

We’d love to help you and your best friend.

Schedule a Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Consultation today to explore the best treatment options for your best-friend’s unique needs. We’re here to help every step (and tail wag) of the way.