Chiropractic

Equine chiropractic focuses on the health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. The goal of a chiropractic examination is to identify joints that are restricted in their normal range of motion (termed subluxations). When two vertebrae are not moving freely it can create inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue and can negatively affect the nerves leaving the spinal cord between those two vertebrae. Restrictions in movement can negatively affect athletic performance and cause your horse to find ways to compensate for reduced joint movement. These compensations, along with the chiropractic subluxations themselves can cause pain and reduced performance.

Through precise but gentle adjustments of restricted vertebral segments, chiropractic seeks to optimise spinal joint movement and improve neuro-muscular function to maximise your horse’s overall health and well-being. Chiropractic care also evaluates movement in the extremities, but is primarily aimed at optimal vertebral movement.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Acupuncture has been used to treat various medical conditions in humans and animals for more than 3,000 years. Horses were among the first animals treated with acupuncture due to their importance in warfare and farming. Today, equine acupuncture is commonly incorporated in the treatment of a number of conditions, especially musculoskeletal disorders and back pain.

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Modern research shows that acupoints are located in areas with a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation at acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters and can produce local, remote, and/or systemic effects.

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Acupuncture is well tolerated by most horses and provides a drug-free approach to address musculoskeletal pain as well as gastrointestinal, neurological, respiratory, endocrine and hormone imbalance disorders.