Complementary Therapies

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that uses very fine needles placed at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote natural healing responses. In horses, acupuncture is commonly used to help manage musculoskeletal pain, improve mobility, and support recovery from injury.

Dr. Danica Olenick became a Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist in 2011 after completing her training at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Acupuncture can be beneficial for horses experiencing back soreness, chronic pain, nerve-related conditions, and certain performance issues.

Dr. Kaitlin McDonald is currently completing her training to become a Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist.

Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT), often referred to as veterinary chiropractic care, focuses on restoring proper movement and alignment within the spine and joints. Restrictions in spinal motion can contribute to discomfort, reduced performance, and altered movement patterns in horses.

Through precise adjustments, spinal manipulation therapy can help improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and support overall musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Kaitlin McDonald completed her training in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy through the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Center in 2019, allowing her to incorporate this specialized therapy into comprehensive treatment plans for equine patients.

Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment option commonly used to help manage chronic back pain and musculoskeletal discomfort in horses. The technique involves administering multiple small injections into the mesoderm, the middle layer of the skin, using very fine needles over the affected area.

This treatment can be helpful for conditions such as chronic back pain, muscle tension, and discomfort associated with degenerative arthritis in the spine or cervical vertebrae. Mesotherapy works by helping interrupt the cycle of pain and muscle spasm while supporting improved circulation and healing in the treated tissues.

The number of treatments required varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. As with any therapy, a complete physical examination is performed before beginning treatment to ensure the most appropriate care plan for your horse.