Complementary Therapies

What are the five most common reasons to use complementary therapies?

1. Horse has orthopedic issues

2. Horse has gastrointestinal or respiratory issues

3. Dealing w/ challenges

4. Looking to improve horses health and performance from a whole-body perspective

5. Standard western medical tx have not been effective

List the five popular complementary therapies.

1. Chiropractic care

2. Osteopathy

3. Acupuncture

4. Stretching

5. Massage

List the signs of decreased range of motion/fixation.

• head tossing

• consistent abnormal stance

• change in gait, behavior, or play

• resentment while being tacked up

• poor or declining performance

• failing to pick up leads

• slower competition times

What is osteopathy?

addresses muscle and joint manipulation with concentration on internal organs → osteopath will use the movements or deficiencies in the spine to lead them to a more internal structure that’s problematic

What is the goal of acupuncture?

restores energy balance by treating Qi imbalances & drawing all system functions into normal, equal strength → returning the body to full strength and conquering the pathogen

List some benefits of acupuncture.

• stimulate blood flow

• stimulate release of endorphins

• helps relax muscles

• reset equilibrium of energy in body

Acupuncture is done by stimulating meridians using what?

• needle

• heat

• liquid

• electrical

What are the two theories as to why acupuncture and similar modalities improve the horse’s health?

1. Acupuncture likely alters pain signaling & neurochemical inputs.

2. Needle insertion creates immune responses that help alleviate pain, heal tissues, and improve muscle strength.

List the benefits of stretching for a horse.

• improve spinal mobility

• increase flexibility

• stimulate proprioception

• strengthen core musculature