Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
This involves applying a controlled force to joints of the spine or other parts of the body that are not moving properly. By doing this, the body is able to have better communication between the nervous system and body including organs, muscles, and many bodily functions. Chiropractic is an alternative therapy to traditional medicine with the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself. Chiropractors may also use other manual therapies, exercises, and counseling on lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to complement their treatments.
Chiropractic care is often sought for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain, among others. Some people also use chiropractic care as a preventive measure to maintain overall health and well-being.
It's important to note that while many people find relief and benefit from chiropractic care, its effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
Animal chiropractic, also known as veterinary chiropractic, is a specialized field within chiropractic care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in animals. Just like humans, animals can experience problems with their spine, joints, and muscles, which can lead to pain, decreased mobility, and overall discomfort.
Animal chiropractors work in conjunction with traditional veterinary medicine to provide holistic care for animals. They may treat a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Some common conditions that animal chiropractors may address include back pain, neck pain, lameness, and stiffness.
It's important to note that while animal chiropractic can be beneficial for many animals, it is not a replacement for traditional veterinary care. Animal chiropractors do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication but instead focus on restoring proper function to the musculoskeletal system to support the animal's overall health and well-being.
Dr. Alicia is originally from a small town in Pennsylvania but has been in Arizona since 2022. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA with her bachelors in Kinesiology. From there, she attended chiropractic school at Life University in Marietta, Georgia where she graduated summa cum lade. While attending chiropractic school, she also went to Animal Chiropractic Education Source also known as ACES in Merdian, TX for her certification in animal chiropractic. She takes pride in her education and continuing to learn the most up to date practices of chiropractic. In her free time Dr. Alicia likes to spend time outdoors with her great dane Raynee. She also enjoys hiking, travelling and paddleboarding. Raynee is Dr. Alicia's pride and joy so much, so she named her practice after her.
Initial Assessment: The appointment usually begins with a thorough assessment of the animal's health history and current condition. You will be asked questions about your pet’s symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any previous treatments or surgeries. The first appointment may last up to 30 minutes. Subsequent visits may last up to 15 minutes.
Physical Examination: A physical examination is then conducted. It may include observing your pet’s posture, gait, and range of motion. The doctor will also feel the animal's spine and joints to identify areas of tenderness, stiffness, or not properly functioning joints.
Chiropractic Adjustment: Based on the assessment findings, the doctor will perform chiropractic adjustments to correct any areas that are not moving well in the animal's spine or joints. These adjustments involve gentle, hands-on techniques to restore proper function. Most animals do not show signs of pain during treatment.
Monitoring and Follow-Up: After the adjustments, the chiropractor will assess the animal's response and provide recommendations for follow-up care. You may be given exercises, stretches, or lifestyle modifications to support the effectiveness of the treatment and promote long-term health and well-being. Some animals require more than one treatment.
Collaboration with Veterinarian: We are more than happy to work closely with your veterinarian by providing comprehensive care for the animal. We can communicate with your veterinarian to share assessment findings, treatment plans, and progress updates to ensure coordinated and integrated care.
Comfort and Safety: Throughout the appointment, we will prioritize your animal's comfort and safety. We will work at a pace and intensity that is appropriate for the animal, using gentle and non-invasive techniques to minimize stress and discomfort.
In some cases, animals will be tired for about 24-48 hours after the treatment. Many owners report increased energy and activity the next day.
This is a completely mobile practice.
We do not answer messages on weekends or on federal holidays.
We except cash, card via Square, check and Venmo.
Please have the new patient forms completed at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you have records from your veterinarian including any images such as X-ray or MRI, please forward them to our email info@desertraynechiro.com at least 24 hours before your appointment. This provides adequate time for the doctor to review and prepare accordingly.
Dr. Alicia is currently seeing human patients at Touch of Health Chiropractic located at 602 W Union Hills Dr. Unit 7 Phoenix, AZ 85027 on Tuesdays.
Contact
Text/Call: 602-228-3521
email: info@desertraynechiro.com