Last Updated on 5 days ago by Dr Alisha Barnes
If your furry friend is recovering from surgery or nursing an injury, you’re probably exploring every option to help them heal. We’ve seen countless pet parents walk through our doors asking the same thing: can chiropractic help pets after surgery or injury?
The short answer? Absolutely – when done right and at the right time. Let’s walk through what you need to know.
What Is Chiropractic Care for Pets?
Think of pet chiropractic care as a tune-up for your animal’s body. Just like us, pets can experience misalignments in their spine that affect how their nervous system communicates with the rest of their body.
How Animal Chiropractic Works
We focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function. When your pet’s spine is properly aligned, nerve signals flow freely, muscles work efficiently, and the body can heal itself naturally.
Here’s what makes animal chiropractic different from human care:
- Specialized techniques: We use gentle, low-force adjustments tailored to your pet’s size and anatomy
- Different pressure points: Animal spines require specific hand positions and approaches
- Speed matters: Pets respond better to quick, precise adjustments rather than prolonged manipulation
According to Dr. Sharon Willoughby’s research published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine (2019), proper spinal alignment in animals can improve neurological function and enhance overall healing capacity.
Which Pets Can Benefit?
We work with all kinds of animals, but here are the most common:
Whether your pet is a weekend warrior or a couch champion, chiropractic care can support their recovery journey.
Can Chiropractic Help Pets After Surgery or Injury?
The Honest Answer
Yes – but timing and teamwork are everything. Chiropractic works beautifully as post-surgical or post-injury supportive care, not as a replacement for veterinary treatment.
We always work hand-in-hand with your veterinarian. Think of it this way: your vet handles the medical diagnosis and treatment, while we help optimize your pet’s body mechanics during recovery.
How Chiropractic Supports Healing
After surgery or injury, your pet’s body goes into compensation mode. They shift weight, change their gait, and develop movement patterns that protect the injured area. That’s smart in the short term but problematic long-term.
Here’s where chiropractic care for pets shines:
- Restores mobility after weeks of restricted movement
- Rebalances posture that became lopsided from favoring one side
- Improves nerve communication between brain and body
- Encourages natural healing by removing interference from the nervous system
See more: Helping Your Pet Heal After An Injury
How Chiropractic Helps Pets Recover From Injuries
Common Injuries We Support
We’ve helped pets bounce back from all sorts of mishaps:
- Soft tissue injuries: Strains, sprains, and muscle tears
- Slips and falls: Those hardwood floor accidents add up
- Sports or agility injuries: When your athlete overdoes it
- Trauma from accidents: Car accidents or rough play gone wrong
For example, we recently worked with a dog from a veterinarian Riverside referred who’d torn their ACL. After surgical repair and proper healing time, we used gentle adjustments to help them regain full range of motion and prevent compensatory issues in their hips and back.
Preventing Long-Term Mobility Issues
Here’s the thing about compensation patterns – they stick around if you don’t address them. What starts as a limp can become chronic arthritis years down the road.
Early intervention vs. chronic compensation:
- Catching misalignments early = faster recovery
- Waiting too long = harder to reverse established patterns
- Regular maintenance = better quality of life as they age
By addressing alignment issues during the recovery phase, we’re not just helping your pet heal – we’re protecting their future mobility.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Pets After Surgery?
When Chiropractic Is Appropriate
Timing matters enormously. We typically start chiropractic for pets after surgery once:
- Your veterinarian gives surgical clearance
- Initial healing has occurred (usually 4-8 weeks post-op)
- Your pet is moving on their own
- They’re in the active rehabilitation phase
When Chiropractic Should Be Avoided or Delayed
Safety first, always. We don’t adjust pets who have:
- Immediately post-surgery: Fresh surgical sites need time to heal
- Open wounds or unstable fractures: These require medical treatment first
- Certain neurological conditions: Some conditions need veterinary care exclusively
We’d rather wait a few extra weeks than rush the process. Your pet’s safety is our top priority.
Importance of a Certified Animal Chiropractor
Not all chiropractors are trained to work with animals. We completed specialized animal chiropractic certification through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).
What proper training includes:
- Animal anatomy and biomechanics
- Species-specific adjustment techniques
- Recognizing when to refer back to the vet
- Understanding post-surgical healing timelines
How Soon After Surgery or Injury Can Pets Start Chiropractic Care?
This is the million-dollar question. While every pet is different, here are general guidelines:
Typical waiting periods:
- Minor injuries: 1-2 weeks after initial trauma
- Major surgeries (ACL, spinal): 6-8 weeks post-op
- Soft tissue injuries: 2-4 weeks with vet approval
Signs your pet may be ready:
- They’re weight-bearing on the affected limb
- Surgical incisions are fully healed
- Your vet has cleared them for rehabilitation
- They’re showing stiffness or compensatory movement patterns
Bottom line? Always get veterinary clearance first. We work as a team to give your pet the best possible outcome.
A Holistic Approach to Healing After Surgery or Injury
Can chiropractic help pets after surgery or injury? Yes – when it’s part of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes veterinary care, proper rest, and gradual rehabilitation.
We’ve seen remarkable transformations in pet rehabilitation after surgery and post-injury chiropractic care for pets. From dogs who couldn’t jump on the couch to agility competitors returning to the course, the results speak for themselves.
Remember, healing isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about restoring comfort, optimizing mobility, and giving your pet the quality of life they deserve.
Ready to explore if chiropractic is right for your recovering pet? Reach out to Tails Animal Chiropractic Care – a certified animal chiropractor in Fort Collins and Broomfield, CO. Bring your veterinary records, ask questions, and let’s work together to get your furry family member back to their happy, healthy self.
FAQs
Can chiropractic replace veterinary treatment?
Never. Animal chiropractic care complements veterinary medicine but doesn’t replace it. We’re part of your pet’s healthcare team, not a substitute for diagnosis and medical treatment.
Does chiropractic hurt pets?
Not when done correctly. Our adjustments are gentle and quick. Most pets relax during sessions, and many come back wagging their tails. You might hear a small “pop” – that’s just gas releasing from the joint, like cracking your knuckles.
How many sessions does my pet need?
It varies. Acute injuries might need 3-4 sessions. Post-surgical recovery could require 6-8 visits over several months. We’ll create a personalized plan based on your pet’s condition and response to care.
Is chiropractic suitable for older pets?
Absolutely! Senior pets often benefit most from chiropractic care. We adjust our techniques to accommodate arthritis, reduced mobility, and age-related changes. Many older pets experience renewed energy and comfort.
Can chiropractic help prevent future injuries?
Yes, when used as maintenance care. Regular adjustments keep your pet’s spine aligned, improving balance and body awareness. This can reduce injury risk, especially in active or athletic pets.