We are excited to offer acupuncture as a treatment option for our dog
and cat patients. While acupuncture began as a part of traditional
Chinese medicine thousands of years ago, modern scientific research
has documented its benefits for musculoskeletal problems (arthritis,
tendinitis, etc.), neurologic disorders (sciatica, spinal cord
injury, disk disease, etc.), and even digestive problems. Best of
all, acupuncture has no systemic side effects, so it is a great
option for dogs in poor health.
Acupuncture works through neuromodulation and increased blood flow. Neuromodulation results in the release of endorphins from the brain and anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce discomfort. Increased blood flow to the area increases the oxygenation of tissues and removes waste products to the area – thus speeding healing. By encouraging the body to release these chemicals and essentially heal itself, we are often able to decrease the amount of pain medication a pet requires to be comfortable.
Finally, acupuncture is calming for most pets and produces little to no discomfort when being performed and many will nap during their treatments. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss if acupuncture could be helpful for your pet, please contact us.