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CHIROPRACTIC
Equine chiropractors traditionally deal with "subluxations"
of the vertebrae. Defined, subluxations are incomplete or
partial dislocations of the vertebrae; in other words,
vertebrae that are out of alignment. These misalignments can
not only cause the horse pain in his back, but can also
cause soft tissue damage around the area of the spine. And
since the spine is said to be the conduit to the central
nervous system, subluxations may possibly change
neurological function of the spinal cord, the spinal nerve
roots, and portions of the nervous system. The equine
chiropractor adjusts these subluxations—in plain speaking he
put the spine back into alignment—and returns the horse to
optimal health.
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What conditions does chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic is used to treat back and neck pain in the
horse, as well as nerve damage. It can also be used to
diagnose and come up with a treatment plan for certain
lamenesses. Some people even use chiropractic during
prepurchase exams to determine whether the horse has any
neck or back injuries.
How is chiropractic administered, and how much
does it cost?
Like a vet exam, the chiropractic exam begins with a case
history. Posture analysis, gait analysis, static palpation,
motion palpation, orthopedic exam, and a neurological exam
follow. Based upon his or her findings, the vertebra is then
manipulated during the adjustment by the practitioner.
How much does a chiropractic treatment cost?
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. The equine chiropractor must 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.
MASSAGE
During a massage, the soft tissues of the body are worked by
experienced hands and fingers. As any human who has been the
recipient of one knows, massage stimulates acupuncture
points and relieves tension. Myofascial release therapy, in
which the fascia that connect and surround the muscles are
manipulated, and myotherapy, a method of relaxing muscle
spasm, improving circulation, and alleviating pain, are two
of the most common types of equine massage therapy.
What conditions does massage treat?
Massage can really help sore muscles and tendons. 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?
The soft tissues of the body are worked by the hands and
fingers. The strokes are generally performed in the
direction in which blood flows, which is toward the heart.
How much does equine massage cost?
A massage costs between $25 and $75, depending upon its
duration.
What are the risks?
If your horse has acute inflammatory processes of the skin,
soft tissue, bone and joints, fractures, sprains,
circulatory disorders, presence or danger of hemorrhage,
lyphangitis, and tumors, then massage should be avoided.
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