Orthomanual Veterinary Medicine
Orthomanipulation1was developed specifically for the treatment of vertebral and joint misalignment.
The basis of humane orthomanual medicine was established by Dr. M. Sickesz (MD). In 1965 Dr. Sickesz discovered that symptoms of the musculoskeletal system are associated with very small, correctable misalignments of the pelvis and spine. Subsequently, she developed a method for the effective treatment of these misalignments and symptoms. From 2000-2001 I was trained by a doctor of humans and applied the human method to companion animals and use it successfully since then.
Treatment
Pain in the neck, back and fore- and hind limbs is common in animals. Pain, lameness, paralysis, difficulty standing up, going up and down the stairs, and jumping (e.g. into the car) can be attributed to (amongst other things) misalignment of the vertebrae and joints.
With this kind of misalignment, the portion of the nervous system around the malformed vertebra (or joint) is irritated, leading to pain and loss of function. Some behavioural abnormalities, as in the case of fearful, restless or aggressive dogs, can sometimes be ascribed to a (correctable) misalignment of the vertebrae.
The method of treatment is to correct the misalignment, thereby allowing the spine to adjust to a normal position and the nervous system to recover itself. One or two treatments are often sufficient. A check up after 3 months is advisable. Vet and client keep in telephone contact for progress updates.
Follow-up treatment
After treatment, some pain is to be expected. However, this pain disappears fairly quickly, often within 48-72 hours following treatment.
In humans, recovery after treatment can take up to six weeks. It is my feeling that recovery is speedier in animals (as quickly as two to three weeks). Of course, this depends on the injury, the time elapsed before starting treatment and on other (possible) underlying diseases.
After-care is the responsibility of the pet owner. Dogs that are used to jumping down from a height, making abrupt turns and / or jumping up and down must change their habits. If training your dog on a choke-chain leads to possible symptoms, then we will have to figure out a different solution, and so forth. Every animal, indication and symptom needs a different approach and this will be discussed with you in detail.
1Orthomanipulation means ‘working with the hands in the right way’.