veterinary services

Pet Acupuncture in Colonial Heights, VA

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VetXpress Services

Pet Acupuncture

vetXpress offers acupuncture as a holistic treatment option to help address a variety of conditions in your pet. This gentle, non-invasive therapy involves the use of thin needles strategically placed on specific points along your pet’s body. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, helping to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from pain.

Whether your pet is dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, or other forms of discomfort, acupuncture can be an effective part of their treatment plan. Many pets experience improvements in their mobility, energy levels, and overall well-being after acupuncture sessions.

Our team works closely with you to determine if acupuncture is right for your pet, providing a tailored approach that complements other treatments.

Cat Acupuncture
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that stimulates neurovascular bundles under the skin using fine needles. This process triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms by releasing hormones, increasing circulation, reducing pain, and even revitalizing damaged nerve tissue.

We’re excited to offer this specialized service, provided exclusively by Dr. Virginia Cunningham and Dr. Michael Braunstein, who are certified in small animal acupuncture.

Conditions Acupuncture Can Help Treat

Acupuncture is an excellent complementary therapy for various conditions, including:

  • Arthritis – Eases joint pain and stiffness
  • Minor musculoskeletal injuries – Supports recovery and mobility
  • Anxiety & Hyperactivity – Promotes relaxation and emotional balance
  • Neurological conditions – Helps with disk diseases, paralysis, and seizures
  • Renal failure – Supports kidney function and overall well-being
  • Gastrointestinal issues – Aids digestion and alleviates discomfort
Acupuncture Techniques We Offer

We utilize different acupuncture methods to best suit your pet’s needs:

  • Dry Needling – The most common technique, using 5-20 tiny needles per session.
  • Aqua-Acupuncture – A fluid injection at an acupuncture point provides prolonged stimulation without the need for needle retention.
  • Electro-Acupuncture – Enhances traditional acupuncture with mild electrical pulses for added stimulation.
What to Expect During a Session

Each acupuncture session is personalized to your pet’s specific needs. Here’s what a typical treatment looks like:

  • Comprehensive Exam – A full assessment and consultation with the owner to determine the best acupuncture points for treatment.
  • Needle Placement – Fine needles are carefully inserted at the chosen points, and if applicable, an electro-acupuncture unit is connected.
  • Relaxation Period – The needles remain in place for 15-30 minutes, during which pets typically relax or even fall asleep. The needles are much smaller than those used for injections, so most pets barely feel them.

Treatment Frequency

Treatment plans vary depending on your pet’s condition, overall health, and response to therapy. Your veterinarian will determine how often sessions should occur and adjust the plan as needed. Many pets begin with weekly treatments, and noticeable improvement is often seen after about four sessions. Pets with chronic or long-standing conditions may benefit from continued or periodic treatments to maintain long-term comfort and mobility.

If you think acupuncture might benefit your pet, contact us today to schedule a consultation!