Animal Chiropractic Clinic Offers Aquatic Therapy, Acupuncture And More

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — After providing care to countless patients at their chiropractic office in 2006, a couple opened an animal chiropractor and aquatic therapy practice a few years after in Howard County.

Jennifer Miller co-owns Maryland Animal Chiropractic and Aquatic Therapy in Ellicott City with her spouse, Dr. Jean Thompson, which they opened in 2009. They also own Thompson Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Columbia, which began seeing patients in 2006.

Thompson earned her doctor of chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1998, then went on to complete her animal chiropractic certification at the Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic in 2009. She now serves as an international instructor for Options for Animals, teaching veterinarians and chiropractors worldwide. She also holds several certifications.

"Dr. Thompson practiced as a human chiropractor for 11 years before pursuing additional training to become certified in animal chiropractic, recognizing the growing need for specialized care for animals," Miller told Patch. "At Thompson Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we believe the body has an incredible innate ability to heal itself when it’s functioning at its full potential. Our approach to care is rooted in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. By evaluating how all systems of the body work together, we identify the true source of dysfunction and address how one area may influence another."

In addition to chiropractic care, patients also can take advantage of therapeutic massage and dry
needling to complement treatment, reduce muscle tension and support optimal healing and performance.

"Our goal is to help every patient achieve lasting wellness through individualized
care that supports optimal function and long-term health," Miller told Patch. "We specialize in Sacro Occipital Technique — a gentle, precise method designed to restore balance and proper function within the craniosacral system, spine, head and TMJ. This technique allows us to provide effective, non-invasive care for patients of all ages, with a particular emphasis on pediatric care, TMJ
disorders and visceral (organ-related) imbalances."

The animal wellness center provides specialized chiropractic care, acupuncture, canine massage, aquatic therapy, myofascial release, shockwave therapy and other integrative services for pets. They care for animals of all ages and activity levels.

"Whether it’s helping senior pets manage arthritis and stiffness, supporting recovery after injury or keeping sport dogs (agility, dock diving, IGP) performing at their best, our goal is to keep your companions comfortable, mobile and thriving," Miller told Patch. "Our services benefit both animals recovering from injury and those who are healthy. We help pets struggling with mobility, stiffness or injury regain comfort and function. At the same time, we emphasize prevention—seeing young, active dogs for quarterly 'tune-ups' to keep them balanced, moving well and aging gracefully. Just like people, animals can become tight and stiff as they age. Our services help prevent problematic patterns from developing over time, supporting mobility and comfort so that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down too soon."

There's a state-of-the-art AquaPaws underwater treadmill on site, an advanced system specifically designed for canines and small animals, offering the benefits of aquatic therapy without the need for a full pool. By harnessing the buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic pressure of water, AquaPaws provides a low-impact yet high-resistance workout that supports rehabilitation, conditioning
and even weight management—all while minimizing stress on the joints.

"Animals don’t need to have an injury or problem to benefit from the underwater treadmill.
Many dogs use it simply to stay fit, build strength, and enjoy safe, low-impact exercise," Miller said. "We tailor our chiropractic approach to each animal’s size and needs. Large dogs—well over 100 pounds—are comfortably adjusted on the floor or with specialized techniques, while smaller dogs—sometimes under 10 pounds—are adjusted on a table for safety and precision. No matter the size, our focus is always on providing gentle, effective care."

The team of professionals at Maryland Animal Chiropractic include Thompson, Miller, a licensed acupuncturist who is certified in animal acupuncture, a canine rehabilitation and fitness specialist, a certified canine massage practitioner and office staff.

Maryland Animal Chiropractic is located at 3209 Corporate Ct. in Ellicott City and Thompson Chiropractic and Wellness Center can be found at 5513 Twin Knoll Rd., Ste 219, in Columbia.