The Animal Chiropractor
THIS CHIROPRACTOR’S PATIENTS SIT UP AND BEG FOR MORE
by Dr Robert Woodhall
Dr Robert Woodhall’s patients include not only the two-legged variety, but the four-legged variety as well. For the past seven years, this chiropractor’s veterinary chiropractic practice has been growing by leaps and bounds (literally!), to include cats, dogs and horses all over Nevada County.
Why chiropractic on animals? “Animals can injure themselves just like humans can,” states Dr Woodhall. Whether a patient is a show dog striving to be in top form for a competitive event, a working dog that jumps in and out of a pickup all day, a senior citizen with arthritic joints, or many other reasons, veterinary chiropractic has a very loyal following.
Several veterinary practices in Nevada County regularly call on Dr Woodhall for chiropractic care. He is frequently used by Dr Michael Trapani of For the Love of Pets. Dr Trapani notes, “A number of our patients have shown dramatic improvement with chiropractic care. While chiropractic adjustment is not a ‘cure-all,’ pet owners should consider chiropractic care for pets with spinal or arthritic disease, especially when conventional treatments are ineffective.” Dr Susan Murphy of Best Friends Animal Clinic states, “ Dr Woodhall’s compassion and rapport are clearly demonstrated when he
works with pets. I feel it is a great benefit to our patients to have his services available and we have seen many instances of treatment success. Working together allows our patients to receive the most thorough care available, a truly holistic approach.”
Dr Woodhall uses a unique form of adjusting called VOM (short for veterinary orthopedic manipulation). It was researched and developed over the last 23 years by veterinary surgeon Dr William Inman. Dr Woodhall learned this technique directly from Dr Inman in a series intensive training classes. It uses a device called an Activator that delivers a measured force into a joint very quickly, and doesn’t require any cooperation from an animal that could be in a great deal of pain. Also, the position of an animal (sitting, laying or standing) doesn’t matter. This force is adjustable to the size of the animal from a Chihuahua to a Clydesdale.
The results of chiropractic on animals can sometimes be instant and dramatic. Carol Garcia’s show Rottweiler, Rudy, was brought in to see Dr. Woodhall after injuring his back jumping out of a van at a show. His back legs were paralyzed within 6 hours. “I carried Rudy in for his first series of adjustments and after 3 adjustments he walked out afterwards with hardly any help. After one adjustment in his second series of adjustments he could hike his leg for the first time since his injury 3 years ago.” The dog seems to enjoy the treatments as well. According to Garcia, “He seems so relieved after the adjustments, so peaceful. He may be back out in the ring one of these days.”
Dr. Woodhall can be reached at 530.432-1750.
