ACUPUNCTURE

What is acupuncture, and how does it work?

        Equine acupuncture has been practiced since the years 2000-3000 B.C. during the Shang and Chow dynasties in China. Acupuncture results in local pain relief when long, thin needles (or other forms of pressure) are passed through the skin to certain “points.”  The needles stimulate these points on the body and alter various biochemical and physiological conditions. This works because the applied pressure stimulates sensory receptors, which in turn stimulate the nerves that transmit impulses from the outer body to the Central Nervous System. These nerves send a signal to the Central Nervous System and then to the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and hormones which act as natural pain killers.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

Back problems, founder, many types of lamenesses, navicular disease, and heaves are commonly treated with acupuncture.How is acupuncture administered, and how much does it cost?
Inserting an extremely fine needle into the point is the traditional method of administration. Other modes, in addition to the needle method, include electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, moxibustion (which uses heat and combustion), laser stimulation, gold implants, and acupressure. Acupuncture typically costs $50-$75 per session, depending upon the area treated and the duration of the session. Animals are generally treated one or two times a week, and it takes anywhere from five to 30 minutes to complete a treatment.

Are there any risks?

When practiced by a competent veterinarian, acupuncture has very few side effects. No chemical substances enter the body during acupuncture, and because Acupuncture balances the body’s system of healing, complications are rare.

CHIROPRACTIC

What is chiropractic, and how does it work?

Equine chiropractors traditionally deal with incomplete or partial dislocations of the vertebrae, or vertebrae that are out of alignment. These dislocations or misalignments, called “subluxations,” may possibly change neurological function of the spinal cord, the spinal nerve roots, and portions of the nervous system. It is the job of the chiropractor to “adjust” these subluxations and thus restore the proper neurological function to the spinal cord. What conditions does chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic is often used to determine and treat lamenesses and other performance issues. Chiropractic is said to alleviate pain in the back and neck of the horse, in addition to certain nerve damages. In addition, chiropractic is increasingly being used in prepurchase exams to determine if the horse has any neck or back injuries.

How is chiropractic administered, and how much does it cost?

The chiropractic exam begins with a case history, then goes on to posture analysis, gait analysis, static palpation, motion palpation, orthopedic exam, and neurological exam. The vertebra is manipulated during the adjustment by the practitioner, based upon his or her findings. A chiropractic exam and adjustment cost approximately $50-75, depending upon the extent of the problem and the length of the session.

Are there any risks?

Some believe that in the wrong hands, chiropractic can cause back and neck pain, lameness problems, and spinal cord injury.  It is therefore of utmost importance that your equine practitioner have strong knowledge of equine vertebral anatomy, including vertebral joint relationships, the relationship of neural components, muscle attachments and nerve supply, and normal and abnormal range of motion.

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION

What is electrical stimulation, and how does it work?

Electrical stimulation introduces energy to the area being treated. It encourages cells to increase metabolism and do their job better. Because all body chemistry is electrically charged, the pulsing electronic impulses introduced into the body can therefore carry information throughout the body.
            Another benefit of electrical stimulation is that it releases endorphins during the treatment, enabling the horse to relax and combat any pain.

What conditions does electrical stimulation treat?

You can treat surface wounds and muscle and bone injuries with electrical stimulation, but its most popular use remains pain management, reduction of swelling, and building muscle. While there is some controversy over whether electrical stimulation actually heals of merely provides relief for a period of time, most agree it is an excellent modality when it comes to pain management. By altering the messages sent to the brain, pain is significantly diminished. Electrical stimulation also helps mobilize fluid and is quite effective in treating inflammation of other disorders in which more circulation is called for. But perhaps the greatest advantage of electrical stimulation is its ability to retrain muscles and build them back up.

How is electrical stimulation administered, and how much does it cost?

An electrical pulse is fed to the body through two electrodes which are coated with conductive gel and placed on the skin, at the site of the pain or injury. One sends the chare, and the other receives it. Power and frequency can be altered depending upon what kind of injury you want to treat.
            Electrical stimulation products vary widely in price, from $100 to $10,000. A more cost-effective route is to have a veterinarian or other qualified practitioner administer treatment. Depending upon the area of treatment and the duration of treatment, cost ranges from $15 to $50.

Are there any risks?

While most machines are not powerful enough to kill you if he electrodes are placed in the wrong areas, those with weaknesses in those areas could be negatively affected. Electrical stimulation can also be quite painful, and can startle the horse. The main danger is to the person administering the therapy, who may receive an untimely kick.

HERBOLOGY

What is herbology, and how does it work?

Herbology is the practice of using plants for therapeutic and/or medicinal purposes. The way they work is similar to the way conventional drugs work. They contain chemical compounds that can prevent illnesses and treat specific conditions.

What conditions does herbology treat?

Herbs can be used to stimulate the immune system, improve circulation, or ease gastrointestinal distress, and in addition can treat a host of other injuries and illnesses.

How is herbology administered, and how much does it cost?

Herbs are generally taken in pill or liquid form. Cost varies widely depending upon the herb.

Are there any risks?

Herbs should be treated just like any other medicine. Unfortunately, one of the problems with herbology is the lack of standardization, and dosages may vary from one product to another. The idea of herbs can also be misleading: many people think of them as being much safer than drugs, when in reality some herbs are toxic in large enough doses. At this point, knowledge of the constituents of herbal medicines and their pharmacological and possible toxic side effects is limited, and only a percentage of herbs have been subjected to in-depth studies. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before using any herb on your horse, and ask for a recommendation on where to purchase them.

HOMEOPATHY

What is homeopathy, and how does it work?

Homeopathy is closely related to herbal medicine. However, the dilution and dosage is markedly different, as homeopathic remedies contain much less of the active substance than herbal medicines. In addition, homeopathic remedies are often compared to vaccines, in that in homeopathy, the disease is treated with medicines which produce similar signs of disease in a healthy body. The concept is that substances which cause symptoms in a healthy horse can also cure those symptoms when given in extremely small amounts. Homeopathic remedies are chosen for their ability to mimic symptoms and stimulate body defenses, just like a vaccine.

What conditions does homeopathy treat?

A wide variety of illnesses and injuries. In the horse, they are commonly used to treat open wounds, bruises and sprains, although their use for respiratory ailments, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, muscle and ligament problems, and stress and anxiety are also touted.

How is homeopathy administered, and how much does it cost?

Homeopathic remedies come from plants, animals, and minerals, and are most often administered in a liquid form, either topically or orally.  The cost varies widely and is dependent upon the remedy given and its quantity.

What are the risks?

While in high doses many of the products that go into homeopathic remedies are toxic, they are diluted to such a degree that often they could be called chemically inert. Therefore there are no toxic side effects. This being said, it is very important the homeopathic practitioner be well-trained in the remedies and their dilutions.

LASER THERAPY

What is laser therapy, and how does it work?

Laser therapy is the introduction of light energy, in the form of photons, into the tissues. The photons promote healing within the targeted areas because they increase the energy activity in the cell nucleus, promote cellular growth and reproduction, increase activation of cellular enzymes, and improve membrane stability. While laser therapy does not change the nature of the cell, it gives it a needed boost.
            Lasers are equipped with different wavelengths and frequencies. Simply, the lower the wavelength and frequency, the less penetration achieved. A superficial wound would require a laser with a low wavelength and frequency, a muscle injury would call for a medium wavelength and frequency, and a deeper injury, such as one involving the bone, would require a higher frequency and wavelength.
            Laser therapy can also be used for needle-free acupuncture. Using a beam of light instead of a needle, love wavelengths are used in diagnostic acupuncture, while higher frequencies and wavelengths are generally used to treat deep therapeutic points.

What conditions does laser therapy treat?

Since it stimulates the immune system and therefore can help the body rejuvenate from any chronic or acute injury, laser therapy can treat just about any injury. It is commonly used on superficial wounds, muscle injuries, and injuries to the bone.

How is laser therapy administered, and how much does it cost?

Lasers come in many different varieties, and therefore have a wide price range. Most lasers are produced by a light-emitting diode. The laser works by being held in contact with the surface of the tissues being treated.
            Lasers range from $1,500 to $10,000, and the more diodes and power the laser has the more expensive it will be. Laser treatment by  a veterinarian or other practitioner ranges from $20 to $55 per session.

What are the risks?

There are five major risks inherent in laser therapy. First, due to the laser’s ability to damage the retina, all operators and any spectators should wear infrared goggles. Second, as the laser promotes cellular growth, you should never laser a cancer. Third, you should never laser anything recently treated with steroids, as laser use will negate the benefit of steroids. Fourth, areas treated with iodine should be avoided, as it is a photoactive chemical and increases photosensitivity. Last, never treat the pregnant uterus.

MAGNETIC THERAPY

What is magnetic therapy and how does it work?

A magnet is any substance that can atrract or repel ferrous materials. According to proponents of this therapy, magnetic energy from magnetic therapy products provide additional energy to each cell. This helps the body in its healing process, alleviating the need for the body to deplete its own energy resources.

What conditions does magnetic therapy treat?

Magnetic therapy can be used on any area that feels pain, such as strains, sprains, and even fractures and bone bruises. Some research indicates that when a bone is injured, it generates a small electrical current to speed up the healing process. Some of the magnetic stimulators now on the market purport to act like an amplifier so the bone can heal faster.

How is magentic therapy administered, and how much does it cost?

Magnetic therapy is administered in several ways with horses. One way is to rub the affected area with a magnetic device, often a ball-like object attached to a wand. Another way in which magnets are administered is through products such as leg wraps and blankets, which the horse wears for a period of time each day. Still yet another way is for your practitioner to employ one of several pulsed electromagnetic field devices now available. These are portable machines that utilize a magnetic field to promote healing. Cost of magnetic products available to the horse owner range from $70 for a small hand-held ball-shaped magnet, to up to $800 for a magnetic blanket. Magnetic therapy sessions done by a veterinarian range from $50  to $75, depending upon area worked upon and duration of the visit.

What are the risks?

If a knowledgeable veterinarian is using a pulsed electromagnetic field system on your horse, risks and side-effects are minimal. If you are using your own “over the counter” magnetic device, such as a blanket or hand-held product, your greatest risk is probably irritating the horse, should he not like wearing the device or how you touch him with it.

MASSAGE

What is massage, and how does it work?

Massage employs the use of the hands and fingers to work the soft tissues of the body. There are several different types of massage for various conditions. Massage works by stimulating acupuncture points and relieving tension. Some of the more popular equine massage techniques include myofascial release therapy, in which the fascia that connect and surround the muscles are manipulated. The fascia responds to the touch by releasing the adverse effects of inflammation, tension, and trauma. Myotherapy is a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation, and alleviating pain. In this method, the therapist gets rid of the spasm by pressing on a “trigger point”, then re-educates the affected muscle to its normal condition with specific exercises.

What conditions does massage treat?

Sore muscles and tendons frequently call for massage. It is frequently used to repair damaged muscle fiber, such as contracted tendons, ligament and muscle strains, chronic inflammatory conditions, peripheral nerve injuries, scar tissue, and chronic edema.

How is massage administered, and how much does it cost?

During massage, the soft tissues of the body are worked by the hands and fingers. The strokes are generally performed toward the heart, which is the direction in which blood flows. The pressure of the stroke might be slow in order to relax, or faster in order to stimulate. A massage costs between $25 and $75, depending upon its duration.

What are the risks?

Massage should be avoided in the presence of acute inflammatory processes of the skin, soft tissue, bone and joints, fractures, sprains, circulatory disorders, presence or danger of hemorrhage, lyphangitis, and tumors.

REIKI

What is Reiki, and how does it work?

Reiki is another popular form of “massage” in the horse world, in which the practitioner lays his hands on the horse where energy is needed. This form is often referred to as “hands-on healing.”  This ancient healing process uses the chakra system, hand placements to promote healing, and ways to communicate nonverbally. Advanced Reiki practitioners claim to be able to do distance healing using representational symbols. According to practitioners Reiki is a natural method for healing blocked energy flow in the body. These methods work with the universal life energy forces that surround us  and facilitate natural healing processes.

What conditions does Reiki heal?

Reiki practitioners use Reiki to heal a myriad of illnesses and injuries on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental level for both horses and their human companions. Reiki is often used to build a better relationship between a horse and his human by balancing energy, the flow of which affects levels of stress and relaxation, and therefore affects how horses feel and react.

How is Reiki administered, and how much does it cost?

Reiki is administered through a special way of touching which restores energy balance and promotes a sense of peace and security. Qualified practitioners claim to be able to do Reiki over long distances using representational symbols. A Reiki session costs between $25 and $75, depending upon its duration.

What are the risks?

There are no risks in the practice itself. However, if you are using a Reiki practitioner to heal a physical problem, make sure a veterinarian is involved in the care of your horse as well.ULTRASOUND

What is ultrasound, and how does it work?

Therapeutic ultrasound should not be confused with diagnostic ultrasound. Therapeutic ultrasound introduces soundwaves into the body at a much lower frequency. The soundwaves penetrate and warm deep tissue, creating heat through vibration. Both the heat and the vibration help in the healing process. It has a benefit over using hot compresses, as soundwaves are absorbed more easily into ligaments, tendon and muscle, and therefore the heat goes directly to these areas without heating the surface of the skin.

What conditions does ultrasound treat?

While scientific study has yet to prove of disprove the benefits of therapeutic ultrasound, practitioners tout its use in those injuries that might benefit from increased circulation and heat—such as edema, sprains and strains, muscle problems, and tendonitis. Ultrasound is a soft tissue treatment, and cannot be used to treat any sort of bone injury or abnormality.

How is ultrasound administered, and how much does it cost?

A device is coated with a conductive gel and placed on the horse’s skin over the area to be treated. Settings are monitored or adjusted based on the injury being treated. The head should constantly be in motion due to the heating effect.
            Ultrasound machines run in the $2,000 range. An ultrasound session done by a practitioner runs $15 to $55, depending upon the area to be treated and the duration of the treatment.

What are the risks?

The risks from using therapeutic ultrasound are large and long-term if this therapy is put in the hands of an unknowledgeable person. The main danger of ultrasound is having the soundwaves hit the bone. Bone cannot vibrate, so it heats up and will eventually burn. Also if the therapy is overdone—if it is applied to the affected area for too long or the device is not kept in motion, overheating and permanent damage can result to tissue.

Before you choose that practitioner . . .

The key to having a positive experience with any alternative therapy you might choose is to ensure that your practitioner is qualified and experienced. And what is the best way to do this? Get your veterinarian involved. Before calling anyone to utilize any of these therapies, get a diagnosis from your vet. Then ask your vet for advice regarding alternative therapies. Once you understand the options and have picked a therapy, hire only a licensed veterinarian or someone who is working in conjuction with or has been recommended by a licensed veterinarian to perform the procedure. A comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry will ensure your horse receives the best possible treatment.
            If your practitioner is not your vet, remember to promote good communication between your vet and therapist. Always, always keep your veterinarian in the loop.  If the therapist is not amenable to this, find another therapist! Finally, following the therapy ask your veterinarian  to determine whether the therapy is having the intended effect.