WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF ATHLETIC TRAINING?
Many dogs and their human companions enjoy team and individual athletic training and competition year round or seasonally. Fly ball, agility, working and field competitions are common place in many dog's lives and the canine athlete enjoys the thrill of competition. However, the competitive or working dog is also more likely to sustain tendon, ligament, muscle and bone injury from the stress of training and competition than the couch potato pet.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT INJURY DUE TO TRAINING AND COMPETITION?
"Regular acupuncture can treat minor sports injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury" (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society). World class professional and amateur human athletes often use acupuncture as a routine part of training. If your pet is involved in any type of athletic endeavor acupuncture can help keep them in top physical condition.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
According to ancient Chinese medicine, disease results when there is an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and assist the body in healing disease. In western terms acupuncture assists the body to heal by inducing certain physiological changes such as increasing blood circulation, stimulating nerve conduction, regulating hormone levels and relieving muscle spasms. Although some of acupuncture's physiological effects have been established, many more are still being studied.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Acupuncture is safe when performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist. It is virtually painless and many animals find it relaxing. Side effects are rare,but do exist. An animal may become sleepy or symptoms may worsen for 24 hours after a treatment. These effects are an indication that physiological effects are taking place and are most often followed by improvement in the animal's condition. Rarely, a needle may break and require surgical retrieval.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY CANINE ATHLETE NEED ACUPUNCTURE?
Performance enhancement acupuncture can be done regularly during the competitive season, usually once or twice a month, or several days before and after a competition. If an injury occurs more frequent sessions may be indicated. Older athletes or those with chronic injuries may benefit from care in the off season also. Discounted performance enhancement packages are available for the convenience of the owner or individual sessions may be scheduled as needed.