Therapies
There are a variety of therapies available to augment the healing process in the equine athlete. Every injury and patient is unique, and as a result, your veterinarian may choose different treatments depending on the structure involved, the severity and chronicity of the injury.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an adjunctive therapy that is used to stimulate healing and relieve inflammation. In addition to local benefits, acupuncture enables to body to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Dr. Natalie is certified in acupuncture and uses it in various cases to help enhance the healing process.
Bone Marrow Aspirate
A concentrated form of bone marrow that provides both stem cells and growth factors. Bone marrow is harvested from the sternum or the ilium and spun in a centrifuge. The resulting concentrated product is then injected into the tendon or ligament injury with ultrasound guidance.
Chiropractic
The goal of chiropractic care is to enable optimal movement throughout your horse’s body and maintain healthy connective tissues: tendons & ligaments, joints, and joint fluid.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
This electrotherapy treatment modality is utilized to improve and restore normal muscle function and provide pain relief. New research has shown significant improvements in the symmetry of the core support muscles in the back of the horse through FES treatment.
Mesotherapy
The goal of mesotherapy is to help alleviate soft-tissue inflammation and muscle spasms in the horse's cervical and thoracolumbar region. This effective technique controls pain by blocking the sensory-pain nerve fibers that pass through the skin in the epaxial region. It involves multiple intradermal (skin) injections of a mixed solution using a series of tiny needles creating a row of small-sized blebs. Typically two to three rows are placed within the left and right subcuticular space over the targeted muscle group.
Pro-Stride APS
Pro-Stride is a solution of cells, platelets, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory proteins derived from the patient’s blood. This product can be used to effectively treat joint pain and inflammation in patients where steroids are not indicated, for more frequent treatment or use during FEI competition.
Shockwave (ESWT)
ESWT consists of high-energy pulses of mechanical energy delivered to affected tissues via a handheld probe. This therapy modality can be used to heal a variety of conditions, including acute muscle and joint soreness, rehabilitation and healing of tendon and ligament injuries, and chronic conditions such as arthritis. It’s well-tolerated and only takes a few minutes to complete.
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Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells can be utilized to aid in both the speed and quality of repair for tendon and ligament injuries. Bone marrow or adipose tissue harvested from the patient is used to isolate and purify mesenchymal stem cells that are then injected using ultrasound guidance, directly into the injury.