Front Matter

Chapter 22 The Role of Acupuncture and Manipulative Therapy in Canine Rehabilitation 559

palpation, challenging each motion segment in

its correct line of motion to determine whether

normal joint motion is present. Hypomobile

joints are assessed to determine the quality and

direction of the restriction and whether manual

therapy, and possibly manipulative therapy/

chiropractic, would be appropriate. An unstable

or  hypermobile joint is not a candidate for

adjustment. If adjustment is indicated, the

manipulative therapist performs the adjust-

ment in the correct direction to reduce the

restriction and restore more appropriate joint

motion (Figure 22.10).

Information gathered during the neurologi-

cal evaluation, including motor, muscular

strength, reflexes, and sensory responses, helps

to localize a suspected neurological impair-

ment. Upon formulation of a list of differential

diagnoses, an appropriate rehabilitation ther-

apy plan that might include manipulative

therapy/chiropractic can be prescribed.

Clinical uses of manipulative therapy

Spinal manipulation is commonly used to treat

low back pain in humans (National Institutes

Figure 22.9 Motion palpation to evaluate symmetry at
the occipito-atlantal joints.

(A) (B)

Figure 22.10 (A, B) The therapist performs the adjustment in the correct direction to reduce the restriction and restore
more appropriate joint motion.