HOLISTIC AND PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
The beauty of integrative medicine is providing the body all of the tools needed to heal itself. There are many modalities that can be used and they are often used in combination as they can be used synergistically. The basis of healing in an integrative fashion is to improve circulation or blood flow, which can bring healthy, disease fighting and anti-inflammatory cells to the area/organ being treated. With increased blood flow, there is increased oxygen and thus the body can help to heal itself and maintain homeostasis.
Preventative Care • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Laser Therapy • Canine Fitness • Underwater Treadmill • Canine Rehabilitation • End-of-Life Services
for cats and dogs
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the placement of needles along meridians of the animal’s body. The needles are placed in particular locations (acupoints) which all have a specific purpose and response. Acupuncture increases blood flow and decreases inflammation – which not only provides pain relief, but can also stimulate organ function. Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years in China for the treatment and prevention of disease and is a modality that works well in combination with western veterinary medicine. It is typically non-painful and is very relaxing for the animal receiving the treatment.
Common conditions treated with acupuncture:
- Acute and chronic pain (osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, peripheral nerve trauma)
- Neurological conditions
- Asthma and other respiratory diseases
- Vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence
- Improve immune function
- Treatment of any chronic disease
- Allergies, acral lick dermatitis
- Fecal/urinary incontinence
Acupuncture can also be used in the prevention of disease or keeping pets energetically healthy.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care in animals is very similar to chiropractic adjustments in people. Through chiropractic examination and treatment, each joint individually is palpated and range of motion is assessed. In joints that are hypomobile (don’t move as much as they should), an adjustment is applied to restore the joint back to its normal range of motion. When joints are moving normally, blood flow and nerve conduction is not hindered which gives the body the ability to heal itself.
Common conditions treated with chiropractic:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Back and/or neck pain
- Spondylosis
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Maintenance of athletic performance and ability
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate cells to create more energy which allows cells to divide more frequently, thus tissues can heal faster and stronger. Laser therapy also stimulates cytokine release, thus causing dramatic decreases in pain perception. Laser therapy increases circulation, decreases inflammation, enhances tissue healing, and causes pain relief.
What can laser therapy be used for?
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Any acute or chronic painful condition (arthritis, back/neck pain etc.)
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Faster wound healing
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Ear infections
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Tendinopathies
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Burns
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Hip/elbow dysplasia
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Rehabilitation
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Muscle strains
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Post-operatively
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Post-traumatic injury
Canine Fitness
Canine Fitness sessions at Goodlife focus on whole-pet health by offering quality fitness focused training that is customized to the goals and needs of each dog individually. Strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and physical and mental endurance are at the forefront of Canine Fitness sessions.
Underwater Treadmill
Underwater treadmill hydrotherapy sessions offer low-impact, high resistance movement for fitness and rehabilitation from injury. The UWT helps pets build and maintain muscle strength, supports cardiovascular health, and offers injury rehabilitation in an environment that doesn’t put added stress on the joints and tissues of the body.
The UWT is both a small pool and a treadmill. It allows easy walk-in access for the pet and our UWT therapist. The water level is customized to the pet’s comfort level and reason for use, and rarely goes above the pet’s shoulders. Once the pet is used to walking correctly in the UWT, adjustments are made to control the water level and speed, to ensure the pet is getting the most benefit from his/her sessions.
Benefits of Underwater Treadmill:
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Increases stamina
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Builds muscle strength and tone
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Eases pain from chronic conditions like joint diseases or arthritis
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Improves cardiovascular health
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Decreases risk of re-injury
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Assist with weight loss or maintenance
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Speeds injury recovery
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Hydrostatic pressure of the warm water helps relieve sore and swollen joints
Canine Rehabilitation
Dr. Katie is currently working on her Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner certification through the University of Tennessee. Through this training, she is able to make recommendations for exercise and rehabilitation for animals recovering from any type of injury or orthopedic surgery.
With the use of a custom exercise plan for your recovering animal, your pet is soon to be on the road to faster recovery and pain relief!
End-of-Life Services
Saying goodbye is never easy. GoodLife Integrative Veterinary Care also offers end-of-life services for your pet, including in-home euthanasia.
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Call 563.590.0145