Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Lacy has helped both people and pets feel and function their best. She has worked with brand new babies, puppies, and kittens, and her oldest human patient was 97!

Dr. Lacy is not a veterinarian/does not practice veterinary medicine.  She is a doctor of chiropractic (DC) with additional training and certification in VOM technologies (CVCP) and completed Parker University's Animal Chiropractic Program and is certified in Animal Chiropractic through the AVCA. She is always learning, and has collected many holistic tools in her toolbelt. For people, that includes nutrition, muscle work, kinesiotaping and therapeutic exercise.  Dr. Lacy consults in house, under the direct supervision of licensed veterinarians in veterinary hospitals across the Pittsburgh area.

Dr. Lacy has been trained to identify areas of restricted movement of the joints in the spine and extremities and restore their motion (In chiropractic for people, we call this identifying a chiropractic subluxation and providing a specific chiropractic adjustment). These joint restrictions can have neurological consequences that can be exhibited through pain, decreased flexibility, muscle soreness, lameness, performance problems, sensitivities, temperament issues, illness and more. The goal of Dr. Lacy's work is to restore proper motion to the affected joints so that the nervous system and body can function to its full potential. Dr. Lacy will never diagnose your pet with a condition or disease, as that falls in the scope of your treating veterinarian. 

Your vet may recommend bodywork with Dr. Lacy if your pet suffers from disc issues (IVDD), arthritis, limping, puppy sitting, trouble getting on the couch or going up/down stairs, trouble holding position to go to the bathroom, or general neck, back, leg or tail pain. They may also recommend palliative therapy if medications or surgery are not an option. 

No! Instruments are just as effective as hands on care, and can even be more precise! The impulses from the instruments are quicker than your body's ability to react. So if you (or your pet) are nervous and your muscles are tense, it won't affect the delivery or reception of the impulse. Most people and animals enjoy the therapy! 

People and animals can have mild soreness after the first visit, similar to getting a deep tissue massage or starting a new workout routine. Most times the soreness improves within a 48 hrs. We recommend resting the day of and day after a visit. This means no hard exercising, running or jumping... But don't be a couch potato either! Some may be tired after their visit and require more sleep than usual. This is a common "rest and digest" response of the parasympathetic nervous system. It's imperative we get out of sustained fight or flight mode to encourage healing!

Dr. Lacy requires that your pet has had an examination with their veterinarian within the last year. If there is a new concern/condition, she recommends checking in with the veterinarian first as their may be a new contraindication to therapy. 

Pennsylvania is a "Direct Supervision" state. Meaning chiropractors have to work with a veterinarian on site. 

Other states have different laws. Texas requires a veterinary referral but you can have your own private practice. Oklahoma does not require a referral or supervision.  **It is always important to make sure the provider you are working with has been trained for safety purposes and will work with your vet for the best outcome.