VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE
EPVP is proud to offer acupuncture services provided by Dr. Heather Farmer, trained and certified in Equine Acupuncture by the Chi Institute.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) utilizes the body’s natural ability to heal and re-balance itself. The practice encompasses the use of stimulating specific acupuncture points along the body’s surface
In addition to western veterinary medicine, TCVM can be a helpful adjunctive therapy for many clinical problems. Many conditions that are successfully treated with the addition of TCVM include: anhidrosis, founder, lameness, hormonal disturbances, back pain, tension/anxiety, and neurological disease.
Your horse’s acupuncture appointment will always begin with a thorough examination. During the treatment, acupuncture needles will then be placed in specific points based on the exam findings. Side effects are rare, and most horses do not resist acupuncture treatment! The session and duration between acupuncture treatments will depend on your horse’s history, presenting complaints, exam findings and response to acupuncture.
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
A non-invasive tool that is used to promote healing, especially in ligaments, tendons and ‘bony’ structures.
What is a Shockwave?
A shockwave is a high energy sound wave that quickly increases when traveling through tissue. The fast and intense changes in pressure result in something called cavitation – meaning the sudden formation and collapsing of low pressure bubbles. Since the waves come from outside, the therapy is referred to as extra-corporeal. (Just a fancy word for ‘outside the body’!)
How does it help?
Sending shockwaves through tissue repeatedly creates a micro-trauma. This helps cause an increase in blood flow and formation of new blood vessels in the targeted area. The better the blood supply and tissue nutrients are, the better the healing process. ESWT has been proven to speed up and improve the quality of healing.
There are two types of Extra-Corporea Shockwave Treatment:
- Focused– Targets a specific area for focused energy with deep tissue penetration. Preferred form to treat musculoskeletal problems.
- Non-focused– Provides variable, less intense waves with limited tissue penetration. It can be used to effectively treat some superficial injuries.
Here are some Injuries that could benefit from Shockwave Treatment:
- Tendon disease
- Degenerative joint disease of the distal hock, pastern or coffin joints
- Navicular Syndrome
- Injuries: neck, lumbosacral, sacroiliac
- Bone Bruising
- Collateral ligament injury
- Bucked shins
- Stress fractures
- Splint bone inflammation or fracture
- Osteoarthritis
- Infected or large wounds
- Muscle tears and strains
- Suspensory ligament tears and strains
- Suspensory injuries with avulsion fractures
Although shockwave treatment is not for every case, it is a helpful tool we can provide – when applicable – to help decrease discomfort and expedite healing. If you have any questions regarding this treatment, call our practice to schedule a consultation with one of our veterinarians to determine if this treatment is something your horse could benefit from.