Veterinary Medical Manipulation

"Chiropractic"

“Precision-based care designed to refine biomechanics, restore balance, and unlock peak performance.”

What is Veterinary Medical Manipulation?

Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM), also referred to as Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation (EVMM), is a specialized manual therapy used by trained veterinarians to diagnose and treat dysfunction within the musculoskeletal system.

It involves precise, controlled movements—often described as high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments—applied to joints of the spine and limbs to restore normal motion, improve neurological function, and reduce pain.

Although similar in concept to chiropractic care in humans, the term “chiropractic” is legally reserved for human medicine. In animals, this therapy is correctly termed veterinary medical manipulation.

Training and Certification (Chi University)

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is not a layperson technique—it requires advanced anatomical knowledge and formal veterinary training. ONLY veterinarians attend.

Programs through Chi University include:

108+ hours of continuing education (RACE-approved)
Hybrid format (online + hands-on labs with live horses)
Small group instruction for individualized training
Certification as a Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP) upon completion

Course content includes:

Motion palpation and joint biomechanics
Gait analysis and performance evaluation
Cervical, thoracolumbar, pelvic, and limb manipulation techniques
Neurologic–musculoskeletal interactions
Discipline-specific performance considerations (e.g., dressage, jumping, barrel racing)

How VMMS work?

Joint restrictions or dysfunction can disrupt normal nerve signaling and biomechanics, leading to:

Pain and muscle tension
Decreased range of motion
Altered gait or performance issues

VMM restores joint mobility and improves communication between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems by applying targeted adjustments.

This results in:

Improved posture and balance
Enhanced athletic performance
Reduced compensatory strain patterns
Better overall comfort and function

Conditions that may Benefit

Veterinary Medical Manipulation is commonly used in horses for:

Poor performance or subtle gait abnormalities
Back pain or stiffness
Neck restriction or reduced range of motion
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Maintenance care for performance horses
Age-related mobility issues

It is also frequently incorporated into lameness evaluations and rehabilitation programs.

Role in Integrative Veterinary Medicine

At institutions like Chi University, VMM is taught as part of a broader integrative veterinary medicine approach, combining:

Conventional diagnostics and treatment
Acupuncture
Rehabilitation therapy
Soft tissue therapies (e.g., Tui-na)

This “whole-patient” model allows veterinarians to address both underlying dysfunction and clinical symptoms.

What to Expect During a Session

A typical VMM appointment includes:

Comprehensive physical exam
- Postural assessment
- Gait evaluation
- Motion palpation
Identification of joint restrictions
Targeted manipulation techniques
- Specific, controlled adjustments
- Focused on restoring normal joint motion
Integration with other therapies if indicated
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Soft tissue work
- Medical treatment as needed

Examples of Common Effects of Joint Restrictions (just to name a few)

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Restriction
Restriction of the TMJ may contribute to:

Difficulty chewing or uneven wear patterns
Resistance to the bit or head tossing
Poll stiffness or limited flexion
Secondary tension through the neck, chest, and forelimbs

Cervical (Neck) Restriction
Restrictions within the neck may present as:

Reduced ability to bend or flex laterally
Resistance in collection or contact
Asymmetry in head carriage
Compensatory stiffness through the shoulder or forelimb

Thoracolumbar (Back) Restriction
When the back is restricted, horses may show:

Difficulty with flexion, collection, or engagement
Resistance under saddle or behavioral changes
Reduced topline development
Shortened stride or loss of impulsion