Equine Acupuncture
Acupuncture has diagnostic and therapeutic applications for lameness. Patterns of sensitivity involving certain points can suggest certain anatomic areas for further diagnostic consideration.
Much like more traditional approaches, certain patterns of reactive acupuncture points can be associated with certain patterns of regional anatomic involvement. Diagnostic capabilities are
enhanced when acupuncture is combined with diagnostic manipulative or manual therapy approaches as well as a traditional lameness workup.
Musculoskeletal pain, followed by muscle spasm and contracture, can result in muscle shortening. This can result in local trigger points, and, with chronicity and compensation, more distal secondary trigger points can develop. This integrated approach to case workup and treatment can help resolve both the primary and secondary issues.
Diagnostic acupuncture scans involve applying pressure on certain acupuncture points and determining the horse’s response. A positive response is seen as muscle quivering, flinching of the back, avoiding pressure or even an attempt to kick or bite the examiner. A positive reaction at one or more acupuncture points indicates pain in the referred region.
Acupuncture is best known for its treatment of various musculoskeletal pain-producing diseases including cervical, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral back pain, laminitis, navicular disease, and degenerative joint disease. In most cases, improvement of the lameness and pain occurs within 3-5 acupuncture treatments.
Equine Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to many health and performance problems of the horse. It is a health care system based on movement and symmetry, but does not replace traditional veterinary medicine and surgery. Chiropractic offer a complimentary, not alternative, method of care that is often highly successful in supplementing traditional care. Used concurrently, many of your horse’s musculoskeletal conditions respond dramatically, and rehabilitation can take place quickly and efficiently.
Chiropractic care focuses on the health and proper movement of all joints in the body, especially, the proper functioning of the spinal column.
The spinal cord passes through the center of each vertebra. The nerves that branch off of the spinal cord pass in-between the vertebra and go to all parts of your horse’s body. The ligaments and muscles that surround them hold the vertebra together.
These also allow for movement between every bone. These movable areas that contain two bones and the other things mentioned above are called joints. There are over 175 joints in the horse’s spinal column. Moving properly, or not at all, these joints can make a horse become sick, stiff, and possibly pinch a nerve. Chiropractic work examines and evaluates your horse’s joints for good, healthy movement and flexibility.
