It is often said that moving bones in a horse's skeleton is impossible. That is an understandable belief, before seeing chiropractic manipulation in action. The best way to allay doubts is to observe and to witness the results. In all science, it is always wise to suspend disbelief and observe meticulously, before drawing conclusions.

 

It must be said, however, that it is not the operator (therapist) who does the moving. It is the patient. As in so many of the so-called 'alternative' therapies, the stimulus is applied, the body responds. The chiropractic stimulus should be gentle and subtle, but very rapidly applied.

 

The hand action is to apply a signal giving information on direction of movement, followed by a recoiling and twisting action, as the very sudden, gentle but definite stimulus is applied. This action is the trigger for the body to do its corrective work. It is not the impelling force.

 

If we had to judge how much to move a bone and how hard to hit it, we would be wrong more often than not. Happily, we only need to apply a stimulus (trigger) and the body is equipped to perform the necessary 'adjustment' effectively and accurately. It is possible that the chiropractic movement also breaks down muscle spasm, allowing correction of the misalignment.

 

The fact that the body does the 'adjustment' means that no more strength is required for horses and farm animals than for dogs, cats or other small species.