Dr. Jennifer Katz is now offering Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT) at the
Veterinary Clinic of East Hampton. She continues to offer Veterinary Acupuncture.
She earned her certification in VSMT from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in
Sturtevant, WI. The Healing Oasis VSMT post-graduate course is the only State-
approved, postgraduate certification program provided by a U.S. Department of
Education accredited institution. The program includes 226 hours of supervised
education with extensive hands-on clinical practice hours with dogs and horses under
direct supervision.

A brief explanation of VSMT
Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy is a health care modality that improves function
of the nervous system to improve mobility and the function of the body as a whole.
Every joint needs to have the correct amount of motion for an animal to move properly
and free of pain. When the motion between two vertebrae (neck or back bones)
becomes restricted as occurs with arthritis for example, the nerves and blood vessels
that travel between and adjacent to the two vertebrae are usually compressed and
therefore compromised. This alters the function of the nerves and the signals they carry
to and from the brain via the spinal cord. This results in pain, weakness, and alters
function.
A VSMT exam enables practitioners to find subtle functional problems before they
become chronic problems. However, if structural problems exist, VSMT is very effective
at relieving pain, and improving mobility and function. The manual treatments include
adjustments which are subtle short amplitude motions and mobilization techniques to
achieve increased mobility of joints for acute and chronic conditions.
There are many studies on the efficacy and safety of chiropractic treatments in people.
The favorable results and minimal risk have led to a high demand for this therapy and
for this to be covered by medical insurance.

What is physically being treated?
Hypomobility or restricted movement between two vertebrae (neck or back bones)
What are the consequences of untreated hypomobility?

Progressive arthritis, pain, muscle weakness, decreased blood supply, and decreased
nerve supply to all the structures in the body that are supplied by the affected area of
the spinal cord. This includes skin, muscle, connective tissue, joints, and internal organs
What is the goal?
To detect subtle abnormalities and treat the hypomobility that caused them before
significant structural changes occur. To return balance to the body. To treat chronic pain
and lameness by appropriately and safely restoring more motion to the affected area.
The same can be said of acupuncture. It works by affecting the nervous system,
endocrine system, and immune system to restore normal circulation. It brings blood
where needed and takes away blood to highly inflamed areas of the body.
VSMT and acupuncture work hand in hand to relieve pain, improve mobility, and
function.

Indications for VSMT
- Lameness or pain in the limbs, neck, back, tail (in pediatrics, adult animals, seniors, and
geriatrics)
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Constipation (especially in cats)
- And many more…