Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
We tried to answer our most frequently asked questions for you. If you have some that we didn’t address, or want to know more, please reach out. We are happy to talk with you! Click the question to reveal the answer.
Getting Started Q's:
Why would I have my animal adjusted?
Indications for an adjustment may include
the observation of one or more of the following*. If there is a subluxation or joint restriction present in an area, it is possible that a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation may help.
Do you notice any of the following in your animal?
- back, neck, leg and/or tail pain
- muscle spasms and nerve problems
- loss of flexibility
- stiffness when moving
- decreased mobility of a joint
- minor lameness
- favoriting or resisting one lead
- jaw or TMJ problems, difficulty chewing
- difficulty accepting bit contact
- lack of desire to jump
- asymmetry of the pelvis/hips
- change in behavior
- abnormal posture
- performance decline in an animal sport
- recovering from illness or injury
- other physical changes that impact your animal’s function/job
- maintenance of joint and spinal health
Why do I need a veterinarian's referral authorization?
Two main reasons for the referral.
The first one is the most important for your animal.
- To determine if your animal has any underlying health conditions that would contraindicate a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation.
- To approve and supervise the care of your animal. The scope of practice laws in Texas require ALL Chiropractors to have a veterinarian referral authorization prior to providing a chiropractic adjustment; regardless of their additional certifications or training.
All About Chiropractic Q's:
Chiropractic care is a form of manual therapy
where the chiropractor uses their hands to palpate (feel) for normal or restricted joint motion of the spine and extremity joints. When a joint restriction is found, the chiropractor uses their hands to deliver a gentle force that is directed through the joint in a direction to improve motion of the joint. This changes the neurologic input from that joint and the brain-body communication can function better.
In very simple terms, we find the “stuck” joints and “unstick” them so the brain and body can function better.
A Chiropractic Adjustment
or manipulation is done by hand, or with a handheld instrument, to gently induce motion to the areas of segmental dysfunction or subluxation. The intent of the adjustment is to improve joint motion and neurological function as related to the restricted areas of segmental dysfunction and the surrounding tissues.
More specifically the chiropractic adjustment is defined as a short lever, high velocity controlled thrust by hand or instrument that is directed at specific articulations (joints) to correct segmental dysfunction or subluxation (function).
As stated in another answer, we find the “stuck” joints and “unstick” them to impact joint motion and brain-body communication.
Benefits & Goals Q's:
Benefits may include
but are not limited to:
- Decreased pain
- Decreased inflammation
- Improved joint range of motion and mobility
- Improved gait
- Increased circulation
- Improved nervous system function which can lead to improved performance
- Other improved neuromusculoskeletal system function
- Other results which vary case to case
Goal of chiropractic care
is to help improve joint mobility which may improve nervous system function. Simply put, when joints move better, the body’s systems can function better and perform better. Performance is not just referring to sports performance. Often there is an improvement in the body’s natural ability to function and respond to the stresses and physical challenges that daily life and/or training brings.
*As with most things in life, we cannot guarantee results.
All About the Adjustment Q's:
We use palpation as part of our chiropractic analysis and also check other aspects of your animal.
Motion palpation analysis focuses on identifying areas of the spinal or extremity joints that have decreased motion or restriction; also referred to as segmental dysfunction or subluxation. To further identify these areas of segmental dysfunction or subluxation, we may also use neurological, gait and stance assessments, range of motion assessments, as well as static and motion palpation of the spinal and extremity joints.
While it may look somewhat familiar, animal adjusting is different than people.
Animal and human anatomy, while similar, are different. Just as the anatomy of a horse, dog, and cat are similar but each are unique. The adjustments we use for your cat, will be different than for your dog, than those for your horse. The force that is used for each animal is also changed (modulated) for each animal.
We will not lay your animal on its back to adjust its back, most of those adjustments are done with the animal standing, sitting, lying on their belly (sternal recumbent), or lying on their side (lateral recumbent).
Depending on your animal, we may use an adjusting “bale”. We will stand on it if your animal is a horse. If you have a small dog or cat, we may use the bale as a “table” for them to stand on. We may also sit on the floor with them if it’s appropriate. We do our best to accommodate your animal’s comfort during their adjustment.
You might, but most of the time you won’t.
While some joints do “cavitate”/”pop” when animals are adjusted, most of the time they don’t.
Don’t worry. It’s not the noise that matters, it’s improved movement. We want to feel a change in joint motion after the adjustment. If the joint is moving better then it was a successful adjustment.
Usually by hand.
We prefer to adjust animals using our hands.
We do have an Activator instrument that can be used if appropriate for your animal.
Logistics & What to Expect Q's:
Hours are by appointment
Smooth Transitions Chiropractic, PLLC is a mobile practice with hours by appointment.
We come to you. So your appointment will be where your animal is.
We do try to schedule for geographic efficiency and will share barn calls and travel fees between as many owners as possible. Click for details regarding Fees and the Referral Form.
Do you have multiple pets or a barn with multiple owner interest? The travel fee may be waived for 3 or more animals receiving care on the same date, in one location.
Please call, text, or email to schedule an appointment. 940-331-0234
*We must have a veterinary referral on file 48 hours prior to your initial appointment time to avoid cancellation.
We would love to meet all of your animals!
If your other animals will not interfere with the one who is getting assessed and adjusted then they are welcome to stay around. However, most people find it easier to bring the animal getting adjusted into its own space for the appointment.
No. We do not.
Insurance is between you and your company; we are not contracted with any insurance companies. We are happy to provide a receipt for your visit.
After the Adjustment Q's:
The two most commonly observed
immediate after-effects of the adjustment are (1) your animal has more energy or (2) your animal is sleepy and rests. We tend to see the sleepy effect more often than the increased energy immediately following the adjustment. Do not be alarmed if your pup or your cat takes a good long snooze after we leave.
After they get a good rest then we get many reports of increased energy, improved movement, and more ease as they go through their daily activities.
In our performance animals and riding partners we frequently get reports of improved performance and more fluid movements.
*As with most things in life, results can never be guaranteed.
It depends!
Every case is different. Some need weekly visits and others just a few times a year. It all depends on your animal’s overall health, age, and your goals for them.
We do not have any care contracts or packages.
We keep things very straightforward. You are not locked into any time frame or number of visits. We do have a lot of clients who choose to continue maintenance care for their animals because they see a benefit in doing so but it is always their choice.
All information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not reflect any statement from affiliates named or assumed. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, replace, or substitute any veterinary advice. Please follow up with your veterinarian with any medical concerns or questions regarding chiropractic care options for your animals.