By Marie Oliveras, DC, ACU, NP, N.R.C. P.T.
For over a century, many countries have practiced spinal manipulation—also known as chiropractics—in animals as a complementary therapy to traditional veterinary medicine. In today’s modern world, acupuncture is also recognized as an amazing modality for pain management and nerve conduction stimulation in animals and humans.
I have an extended history working with animals. I grew up on a farm and later, as an adult, purchased my own piece of land for homesteading. I worked in the United States and Mexico with veterans for animal rehabilitation, pain management, and paralysis due to spinal injuries. I also received a grant to continue my education while attending chiropractic college for animal control services and protection.
While I did not end up working in this field specifically, it helped me understand what our animal companions go through because of neglect and injuries with an astounding rate of being discarded. Many people and vets do not have the knowledge or access to the alternative and complementary therapies to help them recover—or at least give them comfort. Mostly, I believe it is due to the cost. In the past, I’ve donated my chiropractic and acupuncture care services to those in financial need, and I still do to this day. Providing free care to people and animals who don’t have access to the funds to procure these therapies gives me a sense of wholeness. I still work with rescues helping horses, dogs, and exotic animals, namely large cats. For example, I rehabilitated and paid for surgery for an African serval and lynx in New York. I paid for it from my own pocket, traveling to another state to obtain the corrective surgeries these animals needed due to abuse.
Many people are still closed off to these therapies because they believe they cannot help their animals or are told they won’t work. I invite the readers to visit my Facebook page, Marie Angel, to view the videos posted of the dog, Denver. Denver had paralysis for 8 days and couldn’t relieve himself without assistance. His family is located here in San Miguel de Allende, and we met for an evaluation. They wanted me to help their best friend. I love Denver because of his fortitude and will to overcome his disability. This dog had such determination to stand up and get going again! Each case is unique, but Denver demonstrated such progress, even after his third treatment! He was able to get up all by himself. Denver did have some obstacles along the way. He fell many times and required a special harness with a handle to help him along on his walks. He even regressed temporarily after a tumble, but this super dog still got up! His family loves him and supports his health journey.
This is where it gets good! On our scheduled eighth treatment, Denver was reevaluated, and I didn’t need to perform another chiropractic or acupuncture treatment. Denver was prancing toward me, smiling and wagging his tail! I was so happy for him and his family. As I said before, I encourage you to see the evidence of his rehabilitation and recovery for yourself. This isn’t for obtaining anything other than trying to educate people without other options for their beloved animal companions.
They cannot speak, but I try to be a voice to help animals in pain or with disabilities. I specialize in neurology and pain management because I suffered a horrible life-threatening Type-II spinal dens fracture. I use these therapies for myself—I am proof it works! For anyone who is a naysayer or tries to discourage someone from using these treatments for themselves or their pets, please investigate for yourself. There are many peer-reviewed articles and extended research abstracts available for you to review online. I will say this: If it did not work, people from all over the world would not be using it.
I enjoy helping people and their animals on their healing journeys. It’s a blessing for me to be able to help with the information and education I have received. If you have inquiries, please contact me at 415 197 6086.
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