A Well-Adjusted Giraffe 

A giraffe walks into a chiropractor’s office… It sounds like the opening line of a joke, and that’s not exactly how it happened, but it is true that Joren Whitley, doctor of chiropractic, treats a variety of unusual clientele at his Edmond clinic, Oklahoma Chiropractic. 

His growing animal practice began with a pivotal encounter at Petco, when a lady brought her pet lizard to him, needing a chiropractic adjustment. “That experience was a revelation—I thought, ‘I’m an exotic animal chiropractor now! How do I explore this?’” 

Joren’s studies at chiropractic school included the treatment of animals in addition to people. Armed with the knowledge and certification to treat animals, Joren took to social media to share the benefits of animal adjustment. 

His animal practice soon expanded from cats, dogs, and horses, to more exotic species. “I posted a video of myself adjusting a tiger, and it was somehow wrongly flagged as animal abuse.” My social media accounts went wild with activity. 

“I had to clarify that I’m a licensed animal chiropractor,” he explained. After resolving the misunderstanding, he gained a significant following, receiving requests from across the globe, including opportunities to work in Africa with Cape buffalo, gazelles, zebras, and giraffes. 

Once home, word of mouth continued to spread. That is how Joren met his tallest client. “A woman in Oklahoma requested treatment for Gerry, her giraffe,” he said. Gerry had caught one of the ossicones on his head in his food container, causing some discomfort in his jaw and upper neck. 

“Gerry was very responsive to the treatment,” Joren explained. “His range of motion improved, and it was an incredible experience to offer him relief.” Gerry’s owner said that in addition to the physical relief, Gerry’s body language was clear: He enjoyed it. 

Working with larger animals presents its own challenges, of course. It requires meticulous planning and attention to safety. “Adjusting a giraffe, for example, involves careful maneuvers and an understanding of their unique anatomy.” 

When it comes to chiropractic health in animals, Joren says owners are the first line of defense. “Sometimes, it’s the small changes—like a dog that no longer wants to jump on the bed—that can indicate a problem,” he explains. By partnering closely with pet owners, he is able to provide informed and effective care, helping to enhance the quality of life for many animals. 

“I had a patient come in crying because she felt like she was going to have to put her dog down. The relief of realizing she had more time with her best friend was immeasurable. That is why I do what I do,” he said. 

Through his work, Joren aims to educate both the public and the veterinary community about the benefits of chiropractic care for animals. “There can be skepticism, but I want to showcase how valuable this treatment can be for animal health and wellness,” he affirms. 

As a dedicated professional and advocate for animal chiropractic care, Dr. Joren Whitley is building greater acceptance and understanding in this evolving field, and he’s collecting some pretty unique stories along the way. 

Learn more about chiropractic care for pets and people at oklahomachiro.com.