Exclusively Equine Acupuncture and chiropractic 

Equine acupuncture is a complementary therapy that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the horse's body to promote healing, balance the body's energy flow, and alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Applications for Equine Acupuncture:

1. Pain relief: It can be beneficial for conditions like lameness, arthritis, and back pain.

2. Respiratory problems: Helps in conditions such as recurrent airway obstruction.

3. Digestive issues: Can be used for problems like colic or ulcers.

4. Neurological disorders: Conditions like facial paralysis or wobbler syndrome.

5. Reproductive issues: Helps in problems related to estrous cycles or infertility.

6. Muscle tension and spasms: Often used to relax tight or overworked muscles.

7. Supportive therapy: Can be beneficial when used alongside conventional treatments for conditions like laminitis or tendon injuries.

Principles:

1. Qi (Chi): Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi, which is the life force or energy that flows through the body via pathways called meridians.

2. Yin and Yang: Balance between these two opposites is crucial for health. Disease or pain is thought to arise when there is an imbalance.

3. Acupuncture points (or acupoints) : Specific points on the horse's body that are associated with particular internal organs or systems. By stimulating these points, an acupuncturist can influence the function of the related organ or system.

Procedure:

1. Examination: Before starting, the acupuncturist will conduct a thorough physical examination of the horse, focusing on its pulse, tongue, and specific acupoints.

2. Needle insertion: Thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupoints. The sensation can vary from horse to horse, but many become relaxed during the procedure.

3. Needle manipulation: Once inserted, the needles may be manipulated manually or using electrical stimulation to enhance their effects.

4. Duration: Needles typically stay in place for 15-30 minutes.

Safety and Side Effects:

1. It is essential to ensure the practitioner is qualified to perform equine acupuncture.

2. Minor side effects can include temporary soreness at the needle site.

3. Rarely, there might be an infection or injury if not done correctly.

Conclusion:

Equine acupuncture can be a beneficial adjunct therapy for many conditions in horses. However, it is essential to approach it as part of a comprehensive veterinary care plan and always consult with a veterinarian before starting any complementary treatments.

Shock Wave Therapy

Equine shock wave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment option primarily used for musculoskeletal problems in horses. It has been used for several years in human medicine and was later adopted in veterinary medicine, particularly for equine patients:

Shock wave therapy produces high-energy sound waves (or acoustic waves) that create rapid pressure changes when they come into contact with tissue. The actual mechanism by which ESWT exerts its therapeutic effects:

1. Cellular Level Effects: The mechanical forces induced by the shock waves can stimulate cellular responses, including the release of growth factors and other signaling molecules. This may enhance tissue healing. 

2. Increased Blood Flow: ESWT can increase blood circulation in the treated area, promoting tissue healing and regeneration.

3. Pain Modulation: The therapy can decrease pain, possibly by overstimulating nerve fibers or by releasing pain-reducing substances.

Applications in Horses:

1. Tendon and Ligament Injuries:  It's commonly used for various tendon and ligament injuries, such as bowed tendons or suspensory ligament injuries. The therapy might help reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and alleviate pain.

2. Bone Healing: ESWT may be used to stimulate bone healing, especially in cases of certain types of fractures.

3. Joint Diseases: Some veterinarians use shock wave therapy to treat arthritis or other joint problems, although the evidence for its efficacy in these cases is more limited.

4. Back and Muscle Pain: ESWT can be used for horses with sore backs or muscle pain, as it may help reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain.

Procedure:

1. The area to be treated is usually clipped and cleaned.

2. A coupling gel is applied to ensure good contact between the therapy probe and the skin.

3. The shock wave device is then used to deliver the prescribed number of shocks to the targeted area. The treatment itself is usually brief, often lasting only a few minutes.

Side Effects and Considerations:

1. Tenderness: The treated area might be tender or sore for a few days following the treatment.

2. Avoid Strenuous Activity: It's typically recommended to avoid strenuous activity for a few days post-treatment to allow the body to heal and respond.

3. Multiple Sessions: Often, more than one session (typically 2-3) is needed for optimal results.

4. Cost: ESWT is generally more expensive than some other treatments, but it can be cost-effective if it reduces the overall recovery time or improves the outcome for the horse.

It is essential to note that while ESWT can be a valuable tool in the management and treatment of specific equine conditions, it should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan and under the guidance of a veterinarian familiar with the therapy.

Equine chiropractic care is a complementary treatment modality used to address musculoskeletal issues in horses. It involves manual manipulation of the spine and other joints to maintain or restore normal biomechanical function. This practice is derived from human chiropractic techniques but adapted for the unique anatomy and biomechanics of horses.

Benefits:

1. Pain Relief: Adjustments can help relieve pain resulting from misaligned vertebrae or joint restrictions.

2. Improved Performance: Athletes (like racehorses or show jumpers) may see improvements in performance after adjustments.

3. Increased Range of Motion: Manipulations can help increase flexibility and movement in joints.

4. Preventative Care: Regular adjustments can prevent potential issues from becoming bigger problems.

5. Enhanced Healing: By restoring proper nerve function, chiropractic care can potentially aid in the healing of various conditions.

Indications:

A horse may benefit from chiropractic care if it shows:

1. Behavioral changes or sudden aversion to being ridden.

2. Stiffness or decreased range of motion.

3. Asymmetry, such as uneven gait or muscle atrophy on one side.

4. Difficulty executing movements that were previously easy.

5. Signs of pain when the back or neck is touched.

Procedure:

A certified equine chiropractor will start by taking a detailed history and performing a thorough physical examination of the horse. This includes watching the horse move, checking for any asymmetry or gait abnormalities, and palpating the spine and limbs. If misalignments or restricted movement in any joints are detected, specific manual adjustments will be applied.