Adjunctive Therapies for Pets from Your Holistic Veterinarian in Herndon, VA
Chronic pain, arthritis, stiffness, and mobility changes can affect how your pet moves through everyday life. At Franklin Farm Veterinary Clinic, our holistic veterinarian in Herndon, VA may incorporate acupuncture, massage, acupressure, and laser therapy into your pet’s broader treatment plan to help improve comfort and support mobility.
Interested in finding out whether adjunctive therapy could help your pet? Call us at (703) 435-3335 or request an appointment to start the conversation.
What Are Adjunctive Therapies for Dogs and Cats?
Adjunctive therapies are treatments used alongside conventional veterinary care to support pain management, mobility, relaxation, and quality of life. We tailor treatment to the individual patient rather than using the same approach for every pet.
Our options include:
- Acupuncture
- Electroacupuncture
- Aquapuncture
- Massage therapy
- Acupressure
- Laser therapy
How Does Veterinary Acupuncture Help Pets?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, or TCVM, acupuncture is used to stimulate specific points on the body and support the healthy flow of Qi, or Chi. For pets with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or chronic discomfort, treatment focuses on areas of pain and imbalance identified during the exam.
An initial acupuncture consultation includes a detailed history and TCVM examination, including evaluation of your pet’s tongue, ears, pulses, and sensitive areas.
We may place a few needles during the first visit to see how comfortably your pet tolerates acupuncture. If needling causes too much stress, we can explore another treatment option instead.
Treatment may include:
- Dry needling: Acupuncture needles remain in selected points for approximately 10–30 minutes.
- Aquapuncture: A small amount of saline or vitamin B12 is placed at acupuncture points.
- Electroacupuncture: Gentle electrical stimulation is applied to selected acupuncture points and may be especially helpful for pain.
Electroacupuncture may not be recommended for pets with certain conditions, including some seizure or heart disorders.
Many pets begin with weekly sessions and transition to less frequent maintenance treatments as their response improves.
How Can Massage and Acupressure Help My Pet?
Massage therapy uses hands-on techniques to ease muscle tension, promote relaxation, support circulation, and help pets experiencing stiffness or mobility changes.
It may benefit pets with concerns such as:
- Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Back, neck, or hip discomfort
- Difficulty using stairs or getting into vehicles
- Changes in posture or balance
- Muscle soreness or stiffness
- Reduced activity or willingness to walk
- Chronic or age-related mobility changes
Acupressure is incorporated into massage therapy and uses the hands and fingers to stimulate many of the same points used in acupuncture.
Because no needles are involved, some pets tolerate acupressure more comfortably. It may help with relaxation, muscle tension, circulation, pain, nausea, and comfort during hospice or palliative care.
Licensed Veterinary Technician Wanda Hudgins performs massage therapy at our practice. The first session includes a hands-on assessment and time to build trust with your pet. Follow-up visits may also include guidance on techniques you can safely use at home.
How Does Laser Therapy Help With Chronic Pain?
Laser therapy uses therapeutic light to stimulate blood flow, decrease inflammation, and help reduce discomfort. Many pets find the treatment relaxing, and the sensation is often described as gentle warmth.
Laser therapy may be used for chronic conditions such as arthritis and joint pain. Depending on your pet’s needs, treatments may initially occur once or twice a week. Some patients continue periodic treatments long term if they respond well.
We do not use laser therapy directly over known tumors or growths. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet and determine which areas can safely be treated. Radiographs may also help us identify the source of discomfort and plan treatment appropriately.
Can Acupuncture, Massage, and Laser Therapy Be Combined?
Yes. These therapies can often be used together or alongside other treatments.
Your pet’s plan may include one therapy or a combination based on their diagnosis, overall health, comfort level, and response to treatment. We reassess progress over time and adjust the plan when needed.
Is Adjunctive Therapy Right for My Pet?
Signs of chronic discomfort can be subtle. You may notice that your pet takes longer to stand, hesitates before jumping, struggles with stairs, walks less willingly, or simply seems stiffer than usual.
If your pet is experiencing chronic pain or mobility changes, Franklin Farm Veterinary Clinic can help you explore options designed around their individual needs.
Call us at (703) 435-3335 or request an appointment to learn whether acupuncture, massage, acupressure, or laser therapy may be a helpful addition to your pet’s care.
