A treatment session for your horse includes observing the horse in motion, an acupuncture examination and a chiropractic examination.  In addition, I perform a number of physiotherapy exercises with the horse to help identify problems with balance and confidence.

 The treatment process should be as effective as possible while still being safe & gentle for the horse. Aggressive or forced treatments may lead to an unwilling or fearful horse, and I believe they undermine healing and recovery. I am committed to minimizing stress for the horse during treatment.

The acupuncture portion of your horse's treatment will usually include "dry" needling, often with the addition of electro-stimulation of select needles. When indicated, selected acupuncture points may be injected for additional stimulation. Laser acupoint therapy is used for the needle-phobic horse or on areas that are extremely painful. Many horses improve from acupoint therapy and are receptive to needles after a few sessions. Horses are sedated very rarely; acupuncture and chiropractic techniques work best when the brain is alert, but calm and can respond to stimulation.

Gentle spinal manipulation and adjustments are made with various techniques.   Most horses receive their acupuncture treatment first so they are already relaxed and less painful; usually, adjustments can be made without forcing the horse.  In addition, I often use an Impulse Adjuster_^® to facilitate release of stiff vertebral segments.

My training in Postural Rehabilitation^® helps me evaluate and treat the horse’s balance and reflexes after they have received their acupuncture and manipulative therapy/adjusting.

At the end of a session, I will outline various groundwork and riding exercises for the horse and handler/rider.  In addition, saddle fit, hoof balance and appropriate dental care are discussed as they are an integral part of your horse’s comfort and performance.

In general, I ask owners to plan on a minimum of 3 treatments when addressing a problem.   Often, but not always, you will see improvement after the initial visit.  However it can take the additive effect of several treatments to see a change, especially if a condition has been chronic.  A horse that shows no response after 3 treatments is unlikely to respond, though it is possible to see improvement from the cumulative effect of further treatments.  At each visit, I like to set realistic goals for a given horse.  I try to communicate openly and honestly about what I might achieve with your horse; keeping in mind these modalities are like any medical treatment or surgery: patients respond to varying degrees and at their own pace.