Orthomanipulation

Very small, correctable misalignments of the pelvis, joints and spine can cause neurological and musculoskeletal complaints. The goal of orthomanipulation is to correct these misalignments, thereby allowing the spine and joints to regain a more optimal anatomical position, which enables the nervous system to recover and promotes relaxation of muscular spasms.

Reasons for an orthomanual consult:

My dog has trouble getting up or my cat is stiff.
My dog or cat cannot climb stairs and my dog cannot jump in the car.
My dog or cat has been lame for a period of time, and rest and medicine have not helped.
My dog or cat is partially paralyzed or trips over his/her feet.
My dog or cat has had a hernia.
My dog or cat is restless or anxious.

An orthomanual consult

The orthomanual specialist, examines the patients first and foremost as a veterinarian. He or she reviews the pet’s medical history and performs a general, orthopaedic, neurologic and orthomanual assessment. In the orthomanual component, the veterinarian uses inspection and palpation to examine the symmetry of the spine and positions of the joints and components of the skeleton. Then, a clinical diagnosis and treatment plan are made. This plan can include conservative treatment, further diagnostics or surgery, or a referral to a consulting veterinarian.

Pets with vertebral and joint misalignment can experience pain, contracture and functional limitations. The orthomanual veterinarian identifies and adjusts misalignments, to allow the spine and joints to regain a more optimal anatomical position. Gentle pressure is used to bring a vertebra or joint into better alignment. That enables the nervous system to recover and promotes relaxation of muscular spasms. This method has been proven effective in many animals, over more than 20 years of research and experience.

Follow-up treatment

After the initial treatment, a follow-up is generally recommended. Depending on the patient, the type of injury and the treatment, aftercare can include recommended exercises and training, ergonomic advice and further consultation by phone or online. After treatment, the animal may experience some discomfort, but it disappears fairly quickly, usually within 48-72 hours. A concluding check-up is advised three months after the final treatment.

Prevention is better than a cure [This is instead of the heading ‘orthomanual sport check-ups for your dog’]

Working and sporting dogs can particularly benefit from an orthomanual sport check-up and examination. Each preventive consultation includes a thorough examination of the animal’s musculoskeletal system, and tailored advice to owners based on the clinical findings. Indeed, preventive medicine is an integral part of the orthomanual approach. Recommendations include how to train the animal to improve performance without overexertion. The goal is to prevent unnecessary injuries or lameness.

Orthomanual sport check-ups for your dog

Prevention is better than curing. Enjoy working or sporting with your dog? To prevent unnecessary injuries or lameness due to working or sporting an orthomanual sport check-up and examination of your dog is advised.

A sport check-up from an orthomanual perspective consist of:

gait assessment
inspection of the position of the vertebrae, joints and the skeleton in general
assessment of the joints, bones, tendons and muscles (by means of palpation);
assessment of the joints, bones, tendons and muscles (by palpation)
In some cases, this may be supplemented with X-rays and a blood test.

Treatment and advice can consist of:

correction of the misaligned joint or vertebra
training and rehabilitation advice
prescription of medicinal therapy

Puppy check-ups

Puppies grow fast. Their muscles need time to develop and don’t always fit the bones and joints. That is a reason for the adorable picture of the “clumsy” puppy we all love to see. Enthusiastic puppies that enjoy to rough-house, jump and play are especially likely to hurt themselves. This can cause pain or lameness, which can be hard to detect in playful young animals. This is where a puppy check-up can help.

Rehabilitation and fitness training

Some dogs need rehabilitation, exercise and fitness training. Reasons can be:

muscle cramps
injuries to muscles and tendons
postoperative patients (e.g., after knee, shoulder or hip surgery)
animals with a hernia or paralysis (post-traumatic or postoperative)
animals with lumbosacral instability and low back pain
animals with arthrosis (e.g., dogs with difficulty getting up, especially after a period of rest)
hypermobility in animals that are still growing (the dog seems to “fall apart”)

Learn all about Aharon orthomanual treatment

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