What is Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM)?

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is a hands-on assessment and treatment of restricted joints in the spine and limbs. I will evaluate each joint for normal range of motion and apply controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude movements to restore mobility where it's been lost. It is similar to human chiropractic care.

What's the difference between a chiropractor and a Veterinary Medical Manipulation practitioner?

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is performed by licensed veterinarians who have completed dedicated post-graduate training in animal spinal and joint motion. A Chiropractor uses similar techniques on humans.

Can veterinary medical manipulation be combined with acupuncture or rehab?

Yes! In most cases, using multiple modalities together is more beneficial than using any one alone. Manipulation restores joint motion; acupuncture addresses pain and nervous system regulation; rehabilitation rebuilds strength and function. I regularly combine more than one modality for optimal patient care.

Do you offer chiropractic care for dogs and cats?

Yes! I am excited to be able to offer this service as part of my integrative veterinary practice. If you're not sure whether your dog or cat is a good candidate, the answer is most likely yes! If you are interested learning more, please fill out the intake form to set up an initial consultation.

How is chiropractic for pets different from massage or rehabilitation?

Massage and rehabilitation primarily address muscles and soft tissues. Veterinary Medical Manipulation works specifically on the joints of the spine and extremities, restoring mobility at the structural level. These approaches complement each other well, and I often combine them as part of a complete treatment plan.

How often does my dog need chiropractic care?

The answer is patient dependent, and it depends on for what condition(s) they are being treated. I will need to assess your pet to give an accurate answer. A young, active dog might need a different treatment schedule than a senior pet. We may start with more frequent appointments and move on to monthly or bi-monthly maintenance. After an initial consultation and assessment, I'll recommend a schedule that makes sense for your dog's specific condition, your goals, and your life.

Chiropractic Care for Dogs & Cats in the Rochester, NY area

Dr. JESSI TURNER, CVMMP (PENDING)

Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner

Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) restores healthy movement by addressing joint restrictions that can contribute to discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility in your pet. When the body's alignment is off, it can affect everything from muscle function to nerve health. VMM uses targeted adjustments to help your pet move more freely, feel more comfortable, and maintain the active lifestyle they deserve.

LEARN MORE

Restore your pet's mobility with in-home Veterinary Medical Manipulation therapy.

If you're looking for a 'dog chiropractor' or 'cat chiropractor,' you've found the right place. The proper term in veterinary medicine is medical manipulation. Veterinary Medical Manipulation is a specialty in veterinary medicine that involves hands-on assessment and treatment of restricted joints.

What does Veterinary Medical Manipulation treat?

a dog and a cat are standing next to each other in a heart .

Benefits of VETERINARY MEDICAL MANIPULATION

Restored Mobility & Flexibility

Restricted joints can change the way your pet moves and goes about their day-to-day life. Veterinary Medical Manipulation improves range of motion so your pet can move the way they were meant to.

ATHLETIC & WORKING DOG PERFORMANCE

Athletic and working dogs benefit from regular manipulation to stay balanced and prevent compensation so they can perform their very best.

Nervous System Support

The spinal cord is the source of nearly every nerve in the body. Restoring proper alignment can bring back normal nerve communication to support healthy neurologic function.

Faster Recovery from Injury

Canine chiropractic care, or more accurately, veterinary medical manipulation, is a powerful complement to post-injury rehab. It helps the musculoskeletal system heal.

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PETS

Joint restrictions don't wait for old age. They are present in dogs at every life stage, including puppies. Addressing them early means fewer compensatory patterns, less chronic pain, and a better quality of life as your pet ages.

Support for Senior Pets

As pets age, there are changes to joints, muscles, and the spine. Regular manipulation helps senior dogs and cats stay comfortable and maintain quality of life as their bodies change.

a drawing of a heart on a white background .

two women are sitting on a bed with a black cat .

Chiropractic care is beneficial for pets.

If you're noticing your dog is reluctant to go up the stairs, your cat isn't jumping like they used to, or your otherwise healthy dog seems "off," Veterinary Medical Manipulation (often referred to by pet parents as animal chiropractic care) can ease pain, improve range of motion, and reduce muscle tension to bring back a better quality of life for your furry friend.

While Veterinary Medical Manipulation is practiced across different species, a unique aspect of Dr. Jessi Turner's pending CVMMP certification through Chi University is that it focuses on dogs and cats.

When to seek chiropractic care for your pet:

DOG/CANINE CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Dogs tend to be more expressive about discomfort but not always. Some show you clearly when something is off. Others are stoic enough that even a trained eye can miss it. Hesitating at the stairs, stiffness after resting, reluctance to jump, or just not moving the way they used to are all signals worth exploring, whether your dog is vocal about pain or not.

CAT/FELINE CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Cats hide discomfort instinctively. It's hardwired into them. By the time something is obvious, it's often been going on for a while. The signs are subtle: changes in grooming or litter box habits, hesitating before jumping onto furniture they used to leap onto effortlessly, or just seeming more quiet than normal.

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is worth considering if your cat or dog is:

Showing unexplained lameness, gait changes, or sensitivity along their back, neck, or limbs

Recovering from a musculoskeletal injury or managing compensations from chronic conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis

A working or athletic dog needing to stay in peak condition

A healthy pet at any life stage; joint restrictions are present even in young animals, and proactive care is beneficial

A senior pet whose mobility, comfort, or activity level is declining

Showing changes in grooming habits, overgrooming, or developing hot spots

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Chiropractic Care

What is Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM)?

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is a hands-on assessment and treatment of restricted joints in the spine and limbs.

I will evaluate each joint for normal range of motion and apply controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude movements to restore mobility where it's been lost.

It is similar to human chiropractic care.
What's the difference between a chiropractor and a Veterinary Medical Manipulation practitioner?

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is performed by licensed veterinarians who have completed dedicated post-graduate training in animal spinal and joint motion. A Chiropractor uses similar techniques on humans.
Can veterinary medical manipulation be combined with acupuncture or rehab?

Yes! In most cases, using multiple modalities together is more beneficial than using any one alone. Manipulation restores joint motion; acupuncture addresses pain and nervous system regulation; rehabilitation rebuilds strength and function.

I regularly combine more than one modality for optimal patient care.
Do you offer chiropractic care for dogs and cats?

Yes! I am excited to be able to offer this service as part of my integrative veterinary practice.

If you're not sure whether your dog or cat is a good candidate, the answer is most likely yes! If you are interested learning more, please fill out the intake form to set up an initial consultation.
How is chiropractic for pets different from massage or rehabilitation?

Massage and rehabilitation primarily address muscles and soft tissues. Veterinary Medical Manipulation works specifically on the joints of the spine and extremities, restoring mobility at the structural level. These approaches complement each other well, and I often combine them as part of a complete treatment plan.
How often does my dog need chiropractic care?

The answer is patient dependent, and it depends on for what condition(s) they are being treated. I will need to assess your pet to give an accurate answer.

A young, active dog might need a different treatment schedule than a senior pet.

We may start with more frequent appointments and move on to monthly or bi-monthly maintenance.

After an initial consultation and assessment, I'll recommend a schedule that makes sense for your dog's specific condition, your goals, and your life.

Benefits of In-HOME VETERINARY SERVICES

NO CLINIC ANXIETY

Pets remain in their familiar home setting, avoiding the stress and fear that can come with traveling to and waiting in a clinic.

Distraction-Free

Treatments take place in your pet’s own space, where they’re calm and focused without the disruptions of a busy clinic.

Familiar Home Environment

Being at home means exercises can use familiar features like stairs, furniture, or rugs, making them easier for you to repeat between visits.

Pet Owner Convenience

Mobile services save the time and effort it takes to transport your furry friend, especially elderly or injured ones.

More Accurate Assessment

Pet behavior can be skewed by stress and adrenaline in an in-clinic setting. Observing your pet at home allows me to realistically evaluate movement and behavior.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:

Book your initial appointment

so we can discuss your pet’s specific needs.

INTAKE FORM