Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Location: Grand Marais, MN
Open: Monday and Wednesdays
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Acupuncture Overview

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is considered one of five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes herbal therapy, food therapy, energetic movement, and Tuina massage. According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) theory, the presence of a disease indicates an imbalance or disharmony in the body. Acupuncture aims to restore normal balance to the body by identifying the disease “pattern” and using very small needles to stimulate special points on and within the body that lie along pathways called meridians. Western medical science has shown that these points correspond to regions of the body with a very high density of nerve fibers, blood vessels, lymphatics, and mast cells.

Each acupuncture session involves taking a detailed history and performing an exam so that an accurate TCVM diagnosis can be made. Once the diagnosis is made, appropriate acupuncture points will be selected and needles will be inserted to stimulate those points for 5-30 minutes. Typically, 3-8 treatments will be necessary to achieve desired results, depending on the chronicity and complexity of the problem. The initial appointment is scheduled for 90 minutes and follow-up appointments are 45 minutes. Long appointment times are necessary, as it is vital to keep refining the TCVM diagnosis at each appointment as treatments progress. Herbal therapies or dietary supplements may also be recommended, depending upon the condition. If needed, additional Western medical testing may be recommended, such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or imaging to further aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Chiropractic Overview

Spinal manipulation and “bonesetting” have a long history throughout the world across many cultures and continents. However, the chiropractic profession in the United States was officially developed in the late nineteen century. The purpose of chiropractic care is to keep the body’s muscles, joints, nerves, blood vessels, connective tissues, and internal organs functioning in optimal condition so that the body can maintain its own inherent state of health. Chiropractors treat “subluxations”, which is different from a true joint luxation in which a joint has been displaced from its natural anatomic position. A “subluxation” simply means that a joint is not moving through its full range of motion properly, and thus the structures surrounding the joint, including nerves, are negatively impacted.

Each chiropractic session involves reviewing the patient’s history and performing a chiropractic exam, which includes “motion palpation” of joints to determine where they are not moving well. The session may also involve a gait analysis of the pet while moving around the exam room or clinic. Chiropractic adjustments will be made to the joints and surrounding tissues by imparting a thrust, impulse, or mobilizing massage. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to be performed at home. Dietary recommendations will also be made, as nutrition is a vital component of a pet’s overall health and longevity. The initial chiropractic appointment is scheduled for 45 minutes and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes.