Acupuncture/Chiropractic

 “Not to look, but to see

Not to listen, but to hear

Not to touch, but to feel”

– Astrid Ernst

Acupuncture provides many benefits to the horse and can be an effective tool in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of equine conditions. With a correct evaluation, multiple conditions can be treated effectively with acupuncture. When used as part of a diagnostic evaluation, acupuncture can help determine the cause of lameness or poor performance.

Acupuncture changes the electrical conductivity or resistance at specific sites on the horse’s body, that lead to energy flow, or chi. These sites relate to different systems in the body, such as the neurological, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems.

As a treatment, protocols that utilize Acupuncture can be used to aid medical and lameness issues, enhance performance, improve general wellness, and maintain the overall balance of the equine athlete.

Equine spinal manipulation (often referred to as “Chiropractic“) treats joints and soft tissues that have a reduced range of motion or are restricted. Areas of restriction and decreased joint mobility can lead to muscle spasms, inflammation of nerves and decreased function of muscles and joints, resulting in pain.

A spinal adjustment causes reflex relaxation of affected muscles and increased spinal mobility. Safe and effective spinal manipulation requires an in depth veterinary knowledge of anatomy and joint biomechanics and does not require excessive force. A complete musculoskeletal exam and imaging, if indicated, should be performed before spinal adjustment.