What is Integrative Medicine?
At ACC, we believe in treating the whole pet, not just the symptoms. Our Integrative Medicine program blends the best of acupuncture and rehabilitation therapies to support your pet’s healing journey with compassion and care.
This gentle yet effective approach includes treatments like underwater treadmill therapy, photobiomodulation (class 4 cold laser therapy), Piezowave sound wave therapy, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and personalized rehab exercises that can be done either at home or here at ACC.
These therapies work together to ease pain, promote healing, improve strength and balance, and help your pet feel like themselves again, faster and more fully. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, healing after an injury, dealing with age-related changes, or managing chronic conditions like wounds, inflammation, or behavioral challenges, Integrative Medicine can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life.
We’re here to support every step of your pet’s recovery with warmth, expertise, and a truly integrative approach to care.
What makes ACC different?
While many veterinary clinics now offer some form of rehabilitation or acupuncture, ACC takes it a step further with a deep commitment to quality, comfort, and compassionate care.
Dr. Riedel, DVM brings specialized training in evidence-informed acupuncture, a modern, science-based approach that’s widely embraced by Western medical professionals. This method allows us to provide targeted, effective relief for a wide range of conditions, without relying on outdated or unproved practices.
Our rehabilitation services are led by Dr. Cherry, DVM who is fully certified in Veterinary Rehabilitation, not someone who transitioned from human physical therapy to animal care. And to make your pet’s recovery both effective and accessible, we have a dedicated team of trained technicians who can provide many treatments, so you’re not paying veterinarian rates for every step of your pet’s care.
We also offer a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill, which plays a key role in building strength, improving balance, and restoring mobility. Unlike most rehab facilities, we’ve designed our treadmill setup to be Fear Free with the motors and tanks located in a separate room, keeping the environment quiet and calming for your pet.
Most importantly, our Integrative Medicine doctors and technicians are part of your pet’s everyday medical team. They know your pet’s full health history and are involved in their care, ensuring a smooth, seamless healing experience tailored just for them.
What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation, or laser therapy, uses focused light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. At ACC, we use the Companion Class 4 CTS Duo, the most powerful therapeutic laser available, to help treat everything from skin wounds to spinal cord injuries. Unlike lower-powered lasers found online or used in other clinics, our Class 4 laser delivers deep, effective results in just minutes, not hours. It works by encouraging cells to release natural healing chemicals, reducing pain and inflammation.
Treatment is quick, gentle, and often relaxing. A handheld probe is moved over the affected area, and your pet may feel a soothing warmth during the session. It’s a safe, advanced way to support faster healing, backed by science, delivered with care.
What is Piezowave Therapy?
Piezowave is a type of extracorporeal shockwave therapy that uses targeted sound waves to stimulate healing deep within the tissues, much like our laser therapy. Using a handheld probe and a conductive gel, sound waves are gently delivered into the treatment area. You might hear a soft clicking sound during the session. Most pets feel little to no discomfort, though some may notice a mild sensation deep in the tissue.
Piezowave helps reduce pain and inflammation while encouraging faster healing. It’s a safe, non-invasive option we often use alongside other therapies for even better results.
What is an Underwater Treadmill?
Just like it sounds, our underwater treadmill is a treadmill enclosed in a tank that fills with warm, clean water. The water provides gentle support, reducing stress on joints while encouraging natural movement. By adjusting the water level and treadmill speed, we can tailor each session to your pet’s needs—whether it’s recovery from injury or surgery, managing neurological conditions, weight loss, or improving athletic performance.
The resistance of the water builds strength and endurance, while the buoyancy makes exercise safer and more comfortable. It’s a low-impact, high-benefit therapy that many pets enjoy!
What is Scientifically Based Acupuncture?
In medicine, evidence-based means a treatment has been proven effective through high-quality scientific research, not just tradition or personal stories. While traditional acupuncture often relies on anecdote and centuries-old beliefs, Dr. Riedel takes a different approach.
She trained at a scientifically based veterinary acupuncture program in the U.S., using techniques backed by rigorous Western medical studies. Her treatments are grounded in science, and the results we see in our patients speak for themselves, less pain, faster healing, and happier, healthier pets.
Who can benefit from an integrative medicine consult?
Many pets can feel better, move easier, and heal faster with integrative care. Some of the most common patients we help include:
- Dogs and cats with arthritis or age-related mobility issues
- Pets recovering from orthopedic or neurologic surgery
- Animals with joint or limb injuries, both recent and chronic
- Pets needing support with weight loss
- Athletes or working animals needing strength training and conditioning
- Any pet with inflammation, photobiomodulation can help reduce pain and swelling
- Pets with anxiety or behavioral concerns, acupuncture can provide gentle support
If your pet is hurting, healing, or just needs a little extra help feeling their best, an integrative consult might be the perfect next step.