Advances in animal care keep our pets in better shape. Phoenix Rising Wellness Center is pleased offer your pet chiropractic care. “I don’t replace veterinary medicine,” explains Dr. Shamika Cordis, an AVCA-certified chiropractor with over 350 hours of postgraduate training on animal chiropractic from Options for Animal and Parker Animal Chiropractic School. Phoenix Rising works hand-in-hand with your animal’s vet as you consider treatments for your four-legged friends. She believes chiropractic services work well with other styles of health care.
Pets Have Spines, Too
Much like us, your pets have spines that may need adjusting time to time. Depending on their daily routines and activity, your pets can build up injuries, and you may never know if and when they are bothering them. It’s up to you to keep track of your pet’s health, according to Phoenix Rising.
Cordis has recently completed additional training through Parker University in Dallas, Texas, to treat animals The certification includes studying the physiology and anatomy of animals. Chiropractic adjustments are often performed on dogs and large animals such as horses. Cats have benefited from adjustments, too.
Pet Care without Surgery or Drugs
Cervical problems in horses can create problems in training. They may not take a lead. A poor fitting saddle can cause significant problems. Show dogs and cats may have issues holding a particular posture that would benefit from an adjustment. Geriatric animals can experience hip dysplasia or other age-related issues. “If you understand biomechanics, then you understand how animals move,” says Cordis. Sometimes, an adjustment makes a world of difference.
Erica Psaltis, founder of Silver Linings Rescue Ranch, re-homes senior dogs otherwise destined for euthanasia. Annie, a sweet dachshund, had developed hind end weakness. In addition to work with her vet, she visited a chiropractor. “She couldn’t use her back legs, but now she can,” reports Erica. A chiropractic adjustment may prolong the quality of life as well as manage pain.
Cordis sees great value in helping animal through chiropractic care. There can be greater ease of motion, which may reduce the need for large doses of pain medication. She treated one dog who was unable to walk and was considered to be untreatable. An adjustment changed everything. It’s been over a year and the dog is still walking.
“Animals don’t make things up,” says Cordis. If a cat landed badly and was hurt, the animal’s discomfort is real. When treatment is done, as Cordis says, “It works, or it doesn’t.” The animals won’t lie about feeling better. “It still amazes me that animals respond really, really well,” she adds.
You might think chiropractic care on animals is something new. It’s not. It has been around since the early 1900s, with the opening of the animal clinic at the Palmer School and Infirmary of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Specifically, animal chiropractic is the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral subluxation complexes and dysfunctional joints of the spine and extremities. These adjustments are not intended to cure a disease but to treat a chronic condition, such as arthritis. The care may help your pet feel more comfortable. As with humans, treatments are different with each patient and each one responds individually.
Signs Your Pet Could Use a Chiropractor
Does your pet have trouble walking? Do you notice anything different about your pet’s posture or behavior? If so, your pet may be telling you that there is something wrong, and they need help.
Cordis has treated many pets. Clients put their pet’s health in her hands because they see the results their pets display. It does a heart good to help your pet become healthier and stronger. Phoenix Rising also carries pet-specific supplements for purchase.
Phoenix Rising Wellness Treats the Whole Family
At Phoenix Rising Wellness, they treat your whole family, including babies, children, adults, seniors and your pets. Chiropractic care works harmoniously with your other health care services. Every session is individualized to suit the needs of each person or animal.
Paying attention to your body and getting treatments will support efficient recovery at any age. Chiropractic care is a nonpharmacological option for treating injury and pain. That means there are no drugs.
“Some people are reluctant to do multiple types of treatment at the same time. There are many different modalities,” says Cordis, adding, “They all have a separate place and work well together.” Acupuncture, a hot tub, or a massage are complimentary with chiropractic care. Phoenix Rising has a Licensed Massage Therapist in the office. Often the synergy of treatments is significant. Taking care of yourself is a gift. And, your pets will appreciate it.
Phoenix Rising Wellness Center, in both Olympia and Lakewood, is taking appointments for all ages of people and for your pets, too. Visit the website for further information.
Phoenix Rising Wellness Center
1018 7th Avenue SE, Olympia
360.728.0315
11008 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood
253.220.0711
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