Equine Chiropractic at Alpine Equine with Dr Stalnaker

Animal chiropractic deals with the preservation and health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. The practitioner treats vertebral subluxation complexes (VSCs) by delivering controlled thrusts with their hands and body. Vertebral subluxations complexes are joints spaces that are not moving through its complete range of motion. This could be due to traumatic events, athletic training, or every day wear and tear. The spine is a complex framework of bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. When normal range of movement is impeded (either due to injury or everyday use), it can interfere with the flow of information and nutrients to all the muscles and organs of the body through nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatics. This interference can translate to pain, nerve irritation, gait changes, conformation changes, or sensitivity to touch. By correcting these VSCs, the animal chiropractor can help restore function and mobility to the compromised joints, allowing the body to perform at its optimal potential.

All animals may benefit from chiropractic treatments as it can not only treat conditions, but it can also prevent or delay problems. Animals that may benefit from chiropractic include

• Young horses in work

• Young, growing horses

• Older horses with arthritis or back pain

• Horses with GI issues

• Horse with reproductive issues

• Horses with compensatory pain due to conformational faults or genetic issues

• Horses healing from traumatic injuries

• Adjustments prior to or after lameness work ups

• After primary treatments (such as joint injections) to potentially prolong their effectiveness.

Call us to discuss your horses needs with Dr Stalnaker at 970-379-7100

Written by: Justine Stalnaker, DVM, Alpine Equine Hospital