Holistic Horse Healthcare: Acupuncture & Chiropractic at Woodside Equine Clinic
Woodside Equine Clinic embraces a holistic approach to your horse's health, incorporating advanced and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Recognizing the growing demand for integrative veterinary treatments, we offer these services as a complement to traditional care, enhancing your horse's well-being and performance.
Understanding Acupuncture and Chiropractic Therapies
Acupuncture and chiropractic therapies are grounded in the belief that your horse's health is dependent on a harmonious balance within its body. These therapies, while distinct in practice, share a common goal: to restore this balance and support the body's natural healing processes.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced in China and all across the world for over 3,000 years, on both humans and animals. It’s a therapy offered in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and has been widely integrated in Western veterinary medicine.
Acupuncture is used to help control pain and restore function, especially in sports horses. The process involves the precise insertion of needles at specific body points to alleviate pain, improve circulation, enhance healing, and have an overall therapeutic effect. It can be used as a preventive measure, and also to help address various existing issues. Acupuncture is a great treatment option alongside conventional veterinary medicine to help improve the overall health of the horse.
Beyond needle insertion, techniques can include:
- Electrostimulation: Applying electrical currents to acupuncture points.
- Aquapuncture: Injecting liquids, such as Vitamin B12, at acupuncture points.
Chiropractic Care
Equine chiropractic is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the horse’s structure through the vertebral column and its relationship to the nervous system, to preserve the overall health of the horse. Specific anatomic regions are targeted for treatment and adjustments, by applying controlled forces to improve movement and reduce pain. The goal is to induce a therapeutic response in muscle function, neurological reflexes, and joints.
What is equine chiropractic care used for?
- Chronic musculoskeletal problems
- Acute issues such as tension or stiffness
- Restoring proper function to the spine and other joints
- Preventive care to maintain fitness, motion, and performance level
- Enhance performance ability for sport animals
- Maintain soundness and relieve pain in older horses
- Assessing the mobility of joints and identifying areas of restriction through motion palpation
When to Consider These Therapies
Acupuncture and chiropractic care can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Musculoskeletal issues, such as lameness or back pain.
- Neurological conditions, like nerve paralysis.
- Digestive problems, including colic and gastric ulcers.
- Respiratory conditions, such as COPD or exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
- Reproductive disorders, enhancing fertility and addressing issues like anestrus or retained corpus luteum.
Choosing Woodside for Acupuncture and Chiropractic Services
Our team is dedicated to providing your horse with the best possible treatment. We begin with a thorough examination to understand your horse's specific needs and tailor our approach accordingly. Our services include:
- Diagnostic Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment to identify areas of concern and tailor treatment to your horse's needs.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Integrating acupuncture and chiropractic care with conventional treatments for a holistic approach.
- Ongoing Support: Guidance on management and care to prevent future issues and maintain optimal health.
Our Commitment to Your Horse's Health
We’re committed to advancing veterinary medicine through both traditional and complementary therapies. Whether you're exploring complementary therapies for the first time or seeking advanced treatment options, our team is here for you. Contact us to learn more about how our acupuncture and chiropractic services can enhance your horse's health and performance.