Natalia LaVallie, DC
AVCA Certified Animal Chiropractor
Call/Text: 630.394.4228
drnatalia@barnyardchiropractic.com
chiropractic care for animals
ABOUT
Dr. NATALIA Lavallie
Dr. Natalia LaVallie is a lifelong equestrian and animal advocate who believes in the power of the body to heal and adapt to the environment when the body is moving well and the nervous system is functioning optimally.
Dr. LaVallie graduated cum laude as a Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University and received advanced training in animal chiropractic from Parker University. She is certified in animal chiropractic by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). She has also published research in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research supporting the efficacy of animal chiropractic.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic is a philosophy, science and art. We understand that every living organism is a self-regulating, self-healing entity controlled by the nervous system. If nerves become irritated, communication throughout the body is disrupted affecting function of cells, tissues, and organs.
Scientific research has shown that chiropractic adjustments support health and vitality by removing interference in the nervous system and allowing for improved neurological control of the body. Interference may be caused by physical, chemical and emotional stressors such as injuries, nutritional imbalances and mental fatigue. If interference is not removed, it often leads to more issues like pain, stiffness, delayed healing, inefficient digestion, sleep disruption, and behavioral changes.
Many different chiropractic techniques have been developed to evaluate and address neurological interference. We primarily us our hands to perform examinations and adjustments. In some cases, x-rays are necessary to further evaluate internal structures or an instrument is used to augment an adjustment.
animal chiropractic
HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC HELP ANIMALS?
Chiropractic is helping creatures great and small function better and live happier, healthier lives by correcting a condition called vertebral subluxation. It is a condition characterized by lack of motion in a joint, and it interferes with the function of the nervous system. Because the nervous system controls all bodily functions, subluxation can lead to a multitude of issues including dysfunction and disease.
HOW DO I KNOW MY ANIMAL NEEDS CHIROPRACTIC?
Animals can tell us a lot without using words. Signs of subluxation include muscular imbalances, gait irregularities, lameness, and resistance to certain movements. Loss of normal mobility causes stiffness and pain, which may lead to changes in behavior and progressive dysfunciton throughout the body. Many issues resolve with chiropractic care because the body is better able to heal and self-regulate when the nervous system is clear of interference.
HOW OFTEN DO ANIMALS NEED CHIROPRACTIC?
Many people first find chiropractic for their animals after an injury or when traditional veterinary care doesn't solve the whole problem. Initial recommendations for corrective care depend on many factors including type and degree of injury, whether injury is acute or chronic, age of the animal, and goals for care. I expect to see change in an animal within 3 adjustments, and often we see changes sooner.
Humans ask animals to perform tasks and fill rolls that add to the typical stress of living in the world, so we believe it is essential for animals to receive well checks to identify and address issues before they become a bigger problem.
New Clients
Please CALL to schedule an appointment and discuss chiropractic care for your animals!
It is essential to coordinate care for animals with treating veterinarians.
All animals must have written consent from their veterinarian prior to chiropractic examination.
Links to download the consent forms are below:
After scheduling an appointment, please review my PRACTICE POLICIES and
complete a registration form for your animal. Links to these forms are below:
preparing for initial appointment
Initial appointments for both small and large animals usually take about an hour to discuss current concerns and health history, perform a detailed exam, and provide a chiropractic adjustment.
In your home, small animal examinations are best performed in an area with carpeting and ample space to work together with your animal. Please have a soft collar on your dog (let me know if you only have a prong, choke, or e-collar). Cats should be contained in an area that is easily accessible. Sometimes muzzles help us all stay safe when an animal is reactive to pain. I have muzzles for dogs and a cat bag. If you have your own, please have it available.
Horse and large animal examination are best performed in an aisle, arena, or protected outdoor space with level footing. They should have clean coats and hooves, but please do not apply any sprays or ointments. Anything that makes their coat slick can make adjusting very difficult. If fly spray is necessary, please have it available, and we'll apply it together. Please have a halter on your animal that will allow you to safely manage them during examination.
follow-up appointments
We learn the most about animals from how they respond to initial adjustment. Many animal experience positive change after just one adjustment, which is wonderful! Depending on their condition, it may take 2-3 adjustments to see outward changes. Expect to schedule follow-up appointments, so we can evaluate their changes together and create the best plan for correcting vertebral subluxation.
Follow-up small animal adjustments are about 20 minutes, and follow-up large animal adjustments are about 40 minutes.
YOU are essential during the time between adjustments. It will be your job to watch for changes and keep your animal safe while they heal. I will provide home care and exercise instructions as applicable, so you can support your animal optimally.
fees
small animal initial exam
small animal adjustment
small animal acute injury/reexam
horse/large animal initial exam
horse/large animal adjustment
travel 0-10 miles
travel 10-20 miles
travel 20-30 miles
travel 30-40 miles
travel 40-50 miles
$95
$70
$50
$95
$165
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
Mileage is calculated from 240 W River Drive, St Charles
Travel fees may be shared by a group. Everyone pays minimum of $10.
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on social media for practice updates!
