One of the hottest topics on social media these day are alternative therapies. It’s pretty great to see so many people caring for their horses beyond hay, grain and exercise. Many of us own performance horses, and treat them like the athletes they are, with a little extra TLC! I am also in the realm of horses who are exhibiting undesirable behaviours. What I’ve found is many of these behaviours can be driven by pain or discomfort – that’s a whole other blog post! – I’d like to share with you today my favourite alternative therapies and when I will choose to use them. I will likely write individual posts about them in the future, but here is an overview:
- Osteopathy – My primary care givers beyond veterinarians- They provide treatment based on the principles that the body is one integrated system, not individual parts and that by ensuring optimal alignment and structural integrity, the body can heal itself. Movement and alignment is improved through light touch treatment, removing restrictions which then optimizes blood flow, lymphatic drainage and nerve signaling, while bringing the body back into balance. I will request an osteo treatment on a horse that I can feel restrictions or imbalance under saddle or that I can see in their movement or posture – I will also use it if a horse is having trouble gaining or losing weight, if they are showing behavior that may be associated with pain, or after a slip, trip, fall, or trauma
- Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) – “A drug free way to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce stress, accelerate healing, and improve performance” –CC Magnetic Field Therapy – I can tell you that statement is true as I’ve witnessed all of the above after treatments on several different horses, for several different reasons. I first started using PEMF therapy when my horse was dealing with a subtle lameness – he would go from fidgeting and dancing in the isle to asleep and relaxed. His energy would return and he would move sound again. I have since used this therapy for accelerated recovery from exercise or injury and on horses with general stiffness and low energy. It is a therapy that produces immediate and lasting results!
- Far Infrared Therapy (FIR) – it is a safe and effective way to provide pain relief and improve circulation. Far Infrared waves are reflected back towards the body by ceramic fibres creating a soothing effect, and increasing circulation. This is the technology found is products such as Back on Track and Hansbo Sport. I personally use Back on Track socks when I teach clinics to keep my feet pain free and comfortable during the long days. On my horses, I use these products to help my horses recover from exercise and to improve circulation prior to competition. They can also be used for general pain relief on horses who suffer from arthritis.