PEAK PERFORMANCE

Animal Chiropractor

 Optimum health for your four-legged friends
Dr. Mark LaVallie, D.C.,CVSMT

 What can chiropractic care do for animals?

Animals have spinal columns similar to humans, and  they can develop misalignments just like us. Called subluxations, these misalignments can cause a variety of symptoms, just as they do in people.

Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle and painless. They simply relieve pressure and interference from the brainstem, spinal cord, and nerves. In turn, this allows the body to heal itself and experience optimum health.

According to the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Chiropractic care may be an appropriate treatment for:

• Neck, back, leg, and tail pain

• Muscle spasms, nerve problems

• Disc problems, joint problems, limping

• Injuries from slips, falls, and accidents

• Jaw problems, difficulty chewing

• Event or sport injuries

• Post-surgical care

• Bowel, bladder, and internal disorders

• Maintenance of joint and spinal health

Chiropractic care does not attempt to replace traditional veterinary care. We will work with your veterinarian to ensure your pet has the most complete care available.

 What is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in the health of the nervous system and how it interacts with the brain and body to promote wellness and vitality. A chiropractor focuses on the nerve receptors, which can be thought of as sensors in the body. These sensors detect the world around us and the environment within us. When there is an injury or restricted motion in our joints, these sensors tell our body to make adaptations to balance out these impairments. These adaptations can be good or bad. Chiropractic adjustments help to correct the bad adaptations so the body can properly heal itself.

Dr. LaVallie's belief is that when the joints of the body are in proper alignment and the nerves are healthy, information can be sent from the brain to the body in a superior manner, allowing for healing to take place.

 

A typical chiropractic treatment includes high velocity, low amplitude thrust to specific joints (these are called adjustments), muscle therapies and neurologic reeducation to positively affect the receptors involved. Chiropractors focus on the whole body and its well being.

 

Dr. LaVallie's strives not only to relieve symptoms, but to get to the root of the problem. His job is to find out why the patient is having health problems they are having, so he can deliver specific and long lasting care.

 

Chiropractic may help if your four-legged friend has ever experienced.....

• Hip dysplasia

• Seizures

• Surgery with the use of anesthetic

• Trauma from fall or impact

• Recurring respiratory or urinary tract infections

• Change in behaviors or moods

• Recurrent vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

• Trouble getting up, walking, or running

The Benefits

• Improved immune system

• Improved joint function

• Decreased need for medication

• Decreased risk of arthritis

• Optimal rest and metabolism

• Optimal physical performance

• Maximize the Golden Years

About the Doctor

Dr. Lavallie attended Northwestern College of Chiropractic and graduated with a doctorate in 1981. He holds advanced certifications in acupuncture and sports injuries. In 1991 Dr. LaVallie completed a three-year program, receiving a diploma in orthopedics. He also completed a three-year post-graduate neurology program in 1995.

In 2008 the laws changed in Minnesota, so that chiropractors with a minimum of 210 post-graduate hours of animal chiropractic could provide care for animals. Dr. LaVallie completed his certification in VSMT, or animal chiropractic, in February 2009.

Dr. Lavallie's 28 years of experience of chiropractic is now combined with his love for animals.

The Talebone

The Talebone will answer frequently asked questions regarding animal chiropractic.

I know the power of the chiropractic adjustment and the improvement in health that it can bring. This is the case for both two and four-legged beings. All animals, whether they are performance, working, or couch potatoes, can benefit from chiropractic care.