Alternative medicine therapies may be combined with conventional treatments in order to give your pet optimal care, for instance acupuncture is often utilized with Chinese herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation.
CAVM refers to various treatments, therapies and modalities that fall outside the mainstream of veterinary care, such as photon therapy (laser), acupuncture, botanical medicine homeopathy manipulation massage and nutraceuticals.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medical treatment which uses sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body in order to facilitate healing. This may be used alone or combined with herbal therapy, nutritional supplementation and physical rehabilitation and has been proven beneficial in managing conditions related to muscles, nerves, digestive system, skin, hair or reproductive organs.
Alternative medicine often refers to alternative acupuncture; however, its scientific evidence is strong. Acupuncture has been found to stimulate certain nerves within the body that respond to stimulation by secreting chemicals responsible for controlling pain and regulating central nervous system functions. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its physiological effects such as increasing blood flow and stimulating release of specific hormones that play key roles in managing pain as well as other bodily functions.
Some practitioners of complementary and alternative veterinary therapies may be subject to professional regulation by the state, much like veterinarians and veterinary nurses are. Before initiating any form of therapy treatment with them it is wise to verify this status as well as their membership of any associations or voluntary registers where available.
Acupuncture has been validated through scientific studies and clinical trials that demonstrate its efficacy in treating various conditions, such as neurologic disorders, respiratory illness, digestive ailments and arthritis. When used alongside other holistic therapies it may even improve patient outcomes overall.
Integrative nutrition and massage therapy may also prove effective at treating both chronic and acute pain more effectively than using Western medications alone. Finally, integrative therapy and massage therapy can be utilized to reduce medication usage while improving pet’s overall wellbeing.
Levittown veterinarians provide cutting-edge laser therapy equipment, designed to decrease inflammation and pain associated with various conditions in dogs and cats. This noninvasive form of pain management offers a drug-free approach. Furthermore, diet can often help alleviate many common illnesses in pets; holistic approaches like this could provide your animal with improved quality of life for longer.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an noninvasive, painless solution for musculoskeletal conditions. It is particularly useful in the treatment of calcific tendinopathy – when painful calcium deposits form on healing tendons – by breaking up these deposits and increasing blood flow to the area. Shock waves also promote healing by stimulating osteoblasts and fibroblasts – cells responsible for creating new bone and connective tissue production.
Procedure involves using a hand-held device to administer shockwave therapy directly into the affected area. Patients may experience some minor discomfort during this procedure; it’s best to use topical anesthetic or apply numbing agent prior to shockwave treatment to help minimize discomfort. Treatment sessions usually last 15-20 minutes per appointment.
Shockwave technology was originally developed to break up kidney stones; today it’s widely utilized in musculoskeletal therapy to treat various conditions. Shockwave can help relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy as well as aid recovery quicker by working alongside other therapies.
Shockwave therapy can be an excellent complementary treatment to physical rehabilitation programs for injuries incurred through biomechanical issues. Before embarking on shockwave therapy, be sure to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, as it can trigger stress fractures if damaged tendons are near full rupture or have low bone density.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle form of massage used to release tension from fascia – the dense web-like connective tissues found throughout our bodies that hold organs, nerves, blood vessels, muscles and bones together. Craniosacral therapy has also been known to increase cerebrospinal fluid circulation and manipulate natural rhythms within the body, making it part of an array of alternative therapeutic modalities available to treat health issues in dogs and cats.
A practitioner performing this treatment typically employs light touch on several key points throughout the body, including the head, sacrum (tailbone), and feet. He or she will apply light pressure that allows your body to respond by relaxing. The goal is to support the inherent health of our nervous systems which govern every process within our bodies – this practice has proven itself effective against conditions like fibromyalgia and scoliosis.
Fibromyalgia is an affliction that affects joints, muscles and tendons in the body. Symptoms may include pain, fatigue, tenderness and difficulty sleeping or concentrating; studies have revealed that craniosacral therapy can alleviate its symptoms by relieving tension from muscles and decreasing stress levels; it has also been found beneficial in increasing cerebrospinal fluid flow within the brain which reduces spinal cord and nerve pressure.
Craniosacral therapy has also been found effective at treating depression. It may reduce its effects by decreasing rumination – repetitive negative thought patterns that contribute to depression – while improving sleep quality and increasing energy levels.
If you are curious about craniosacral therapy, there are multiple resources you can turn to in order to locate a practitioner. Your massage therapist or primary care doctor might have recommendations, while alternatively you could visit the Upledger Institute website which lists practitioners organized by state and city.
Physical Pet Therapy
No matter if it is from playing or chronic pain, physical pet therapy can offer invaluable support. Just like human physical therapy, physical pet therapy provides personalized professional care and tailored exercises designed to facilitate healing for your animal companion.
At times, physical therapy for pet is administered passively – such as massage or joint manipulation to increase mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. Other techniques involve the use of specialized equipment to strengthen muscles, relieve tension, increase balance and coordination, or strengthen balance and coordination. Sometimes holistic treatments like acupuncture or craniosacral therapy are combined with physical therapy in order to maximize its effects.
Physical therapy can be used for more than pain relief; it can also help manage or prevent other health conditions in pets. For instance, physical therapy can encourage overweight pets to exercise more and reduce osteoarthritis risk in those who already suffer from it. Furthermore, it can treat neurological conditions like spinal cord injuries by strengthening muscle strength and coordination.
Your vet will advise on a course of physical therapy treatment tailored specifically for your pet based on their health issues, age and general wellbeing. They can recommend the ideal plan of action taking into account factors like personality and breed characteristics.
Alternative veterinary therapies that have become increasingly popular include acupuncture, shockwave therapy and craniosacral therapy. All three offer minimal to no adverse side effects and can be combined with medications prescribed by your vet to holistically address any issues you are facing.
Animal chiropractic therapy is another alternative veterinary therapy option, consisting of manual manipulation to restore mobility and ease discomfort for your pet. This technique can be especially helpful for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia or other joint-related conditions that impact mobility; additionally it can alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis in older dogs while improving performance in agility training by relieving joint and muscle inflammation.
