Veterinary Medical Manipulation (Animal Chiropractic) in Lenexa, KS
Our own Dr. Anthony Carrier is certified in Veterinary Medical Manipulation, a chiropractic-style therapy performed by a veterinarian. At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, VMM helps dogs, cats and exotic pets with joint stiffness, back and neck pain, hind end weakness, post-operative recovery and senior comfort.
What Is Veterinary Medical Manipulation?
Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) is a manual therapy that uses motion palpation to detect joint restrictions and relieves them with quick, controlled adjustments. Correcting these restrictions restores normal range of motion, which can improve circulation, neurologic function and immune system performance.
Isn’t That Chiropractic?
VMM is essentially chiropractic care for your pet. It cannot be called chiropractic because it is performed by a veterinarian rather than a chiropractor. The advantage is that your pet’s adjustment is provided by a doctor who also understands their full medical picture and can coordinate VMM with diagnostics, pain management and other treatments.
Which Animals Can Benefit?
Dr. Carrier has experience performing adjustments on dogs, cats and a variety of other animals, including ferrets, rabbits and rodents. Learn more about our exotic pet care.
Conditions VMM Commonly Helps
- Joint pain and stiffness, including arthritis
- Muscle injury or spasm
- Hind end weakness
- Some neurologic deficits
- Neck or back pain, including recovery from disc disease when appropriate
- Sway or arched back
- Post-operative care after surgery
- Improved athletic performance
- Senior comfort and maintenance
Lesser-Known Uses of VMM
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Congenital or structural abnormalities
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Obsessive licking of limbs or joints
- Prevention of musculoskeletal injury
- General wellness
Is VMM Safe or Painful?
VMM relies on the speed and accuracy of the adjustment, not strength. That makes it a very safe and effective therapy when performed by a certified, well-trained practitioner. Most pets tolerate adjustments very well.
What to Expect at a VMM Visit
- Initial VMM sessions and sessions for new problems take about 40 minutes and include a physical examination, orthopedic examination, gait analysis and adjustment.
- Routine follow-up VMM sessions take about 20 to 30 minutes.
VMM is often combined with acupuncture and laser therapy for even better results. Explore our other alternative therapies and senior wellness care.
Veterinary Medical Manipulation FAQs
Who performs Veterinary Medical Manipulation at Mariposa?
Dr. Anthony Carrier is certified in Veterinary Medical Manipulation and performs adjustments for our patients.
Is Veterinary Medical Manipulation the same as chiropractic?
VMM is essentially chiropractic care for animals. It is called VMM because it is performed by a veterinarian rather than a chiropractor.
Does VMM hurt my pet?
No. VMM uses quick, precise adjustments that rely on speed and accuracy rather than force, and most pets tolerate it very well.
How long is a VMM appointment?
Initial sessions take about 40 minutes and include a physical exam, orthopedic exam, gait analysis and adjustment. Routine sessions take about 20 to 30 minutes.
Can cats and exotic pets receive VMM?
Yes. Dr. Carrier has performed adjustments on cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents and other animals in addition to dogs.
How many VMM sessions will my pet need?
It depends on the condition. Some pets improve after one or two sessions, while chronic problems may benefit from regular maintenance adjustments.
Can VMM help athletic dogs?
Yes. VMM can improve athletic performance and help prevent musculoskeletal injuries in active and working dogs.
Schedule a VMM Evaluation
Help your pet move freely and comfortably. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.