Animal Chiropractic… A short History lesson

When I tell people that I am an animal chiropractor I get many different responses. Usually the person smiles and says, that is so interesting; I had no idea that was even possible. Then they ask me how do you adjust a dog? How would I know if my dog needs an adjustment? Do you adjust any other animals? Where do you adjust the animals?

All of these are fantastic questions and I will begin with a little history of Animal Chiropractic:

Chiropractic is an art, science and philosophy, which focuses on the relationship between the alignment of the spine and the function of the nervous system, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Manipulation has been in existence since 2000BC, but it was DD Palmer who announced the discovery of chiropractic in 1895. He set up the Palmer Infirmary of chiropractic cure in Iowa after he adjusted Harvey Lillard – a school janitor who had become deaf following an incident in previous years.

DD Palmer’s son, BJ promoted the chiropractic profession and began adjusting animals back in the 1940’s. Animal chiropractic is a broadening of human chiropractic with techniques developed to be able to treat animals. The same philosophy, science and art is applied to the animal as with the human, with certain adaptations according to the variations in their anatomy.

Recognition of Animal chiropractic began when the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association was established and this led to the development of the Options for Animals education program which started in 1992. The world quarters for the Options for Animals course is currently based in Wellsville, Kansas, USA.

In 2008, I obtained my degree from Options for Animals and IVCA certification. I firmly believe that when conventional veterinary medicine doesn’t have all the answers, it’s time to ask different questions. Chiropractic can be an answer to your pet’s unanswered health questions. There are natural ways to treat illness that can strengthen your dog’s natural defenses to help your pup get or stay well. I look forward to continually sharing stories and insights with you here! Feel free to leave a comment with your questions.

Through personal experience with the healing art of chiropractic care, Dr. Inman decided her career. She is now a certified animal chiropractor who believes in the importance of wellness care and alternative treatments for animals. Dr. Inman runs Richland Animal Chiropractic and is available by appointment to adjust dogs, cats, horses and all other creatures in need of assistance. She also makes house calls! Her dog Sophie is the silly, fluffy, red love of her life.