Massage, hydrotherapy, electro-magnetic pulses…there are interesting options today for Equine Therapy.

Equine Physiotherapy and Intervision Equine Services
(310) 995-9339
gallopout@gmail.com
Like human athletes, horses also suffer musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, muscle strain, soft tissue injuries and require sports performance management, as well as post-operative rehabilitation. Horses may show their discomfort in a variety of ways such as in a change in behavior, movement or gait adaption, development of resistance, reduced performance and behavioral problems. What used to be easy may become more difficult.

Equine Physiotherapy (PT) is beneficial when there is a change in, loss, or lack of performance; to minimize side effects directly or indirectly caused by sport or an existing medical condition; during a period of immobilization or enforced stall rest due to an injury or disease state; when motor control becomes altered; to enhance performance; to prevent future injuries; and before and immediately after surgery or medical intervention. Conditions or injuries that may benefit from the use of PT are muscular disorders, soft tissue injuries, back pain, some peripheral neuropathies, traumatic injuries, and a change in, loss or lack of performance. Veterinary Physiotherapy uses many different techniques including manual tactile therapies and the use of modern therapeutic modalities such as Low-level light (laser) therapy, various electrotherapies, therapeutic ultrasound and electro-magnetic therapies.

As a specialist in veterinary physiotherapy and veterinary industry professional, Christina Gindt has an in-depth understanding and education to provide complete physiotherapy care and consultation with veterinarians, to provide the most comprehensive and safe, appropriate application of techniques and modalities; also providing instruction to the horse owner to assist each horse’s rehabilitation or sport performance. Christina is also a dealer for and provides sales, service and instruction for Game Ready Cold Therapy systems, Equipulse, Equine Magnetic boots and pads, BEST SPOT therapeutic pads and QLaser systems.

Equine Massage by Sue & Equestrian Pilates
Coto De Caza, CA
(949) 290-1420
www.keahorses.com
Sue Kellogg-Graf loves to massage horses. They also love to be massaged. Sue has been involved with horses since she was eight years old, and has been a trainer for 24 years. Every horse, in whatever capacity, could use a massage, but all for different reasons, she says. Some are just tired and muscle-sore from working hard and giving it their all, every day. Some were born with conformation that is not as ideal as we’d like it, so their body parts don’t move as efficiently as they should. Some paddle, some wing, some pull, some push. Just as every human has a physical problem, so do our horses. Sue helps revive those tired and sore muscles;, and she tracks the health and feel of them.

Massage is another way to help horses stay happy and content. It allows the muscles to be worked on so that they can stay more hydrated, increasing blood flow and circulation. Regular massage can also help keep track of asymmetrical muscles and fibers in your horse’s body. Often a major injury is the result of a minor injury not being detected. Sometimes that minor injury starts off as a strained muscle or as a compensation for one muscle that is tense or weak. Regular massage will track changes in muscle tone, density, and feel. If one shoulder is developing a larger muscle than the other, this is something to note. Maybe there is an imbalance in the way the horse is moving. If it is not corrected, there will be abnormal wear and tear on the horse’s body which may result in injury.

Sue is also a certified Equestrian Pilates Instructor, and she became certified in order to bridge the gap between rider and horse. Equestrian Pilates is a mat Pilates-based training method for the rider. Through the use of specific exercises, one can target not only muscles that help us ride, but learn to create and train your Natural Aids to function independently. This then creates harmony and clear, precise communication with your horse. Core strength is a large piece of the puzzle when communicating with horses when riding. By integrating Equestrian Pilates with your riding schedule, you will achieve better balance, stronger and more flexible muscles, and a core strength that allows your body to maintain balance and move with your horse.

Sue cross-trains many of her students in Equestrian Pilates, and has also worked with local high schools that have Equestrian Teams. Riders of any discipline are welcome, and clinics and workshops are available. When you are able to move with your horse, and support his gaits, you will have a horse that is happy to go forward, happy to be balanced, and happy to work for you. This is a cross-training method that goes beyond a specific discipline. All disciplines and levels welcome. Clinics and workshops are available – her barn or yours! She is happy to work with other trainers and barns, or individuals. See what she can do for you. 

EquiPulse
(775) 375-5411
www.EquiPulse.net
The use of magnets has been a part of the therapeutical approach to treatment of injuries and other maladies, on humans, since the 18th century. Now, the EquiPulse, delivering a high powered pulsed electro-magnetic field “PEMF” into the affected body part, has become the de-facto “Go To” therapeutic modality for horses and riders throughout every equine sport in the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

High Powered PEMF Therapy: 1. stimulates the regeneration of damaged and diseased tissue, including torn tendons and fractured bones; 2. improves circulation by opening and dilating the arteries and capillaries. This also reduces edema (swelling); 3. increases the cellular level of oxygen absorption. Studies have shown that oxygen partial pressure can be increased by 200 percent. This reduces pain associated with lack of sufficient oxygen; and 4. is particularly effective in relieving intense muscle soreness because of its deep penetration. Thus, with easy to administer protocols, short treatment cycles and no expendables, veterinarians, trainers, clinics and stable owners are quickly adopting this non-invasive, drug-free and affordable alternative. The EquiPulse system only needs to be used for 10-20 minutes, per anatomical location, each day. For more information or to find a treatment provider, call EquiPulse or visit its website today.

Equissage California
Valley Center, CA
(760) 473-9893
www.EquissageCalifornia.com
Since 1992, the Equissage Certificate Program in Equine Sports Massage Therapy has graduated more than 10,000 Equine Sports Massage Therapists, from every state and 19 different countries around the world. Many graduates work for the very top echelon of owners and trainers — both in the racing world as well as on the show circuit. Some have been selected to work with the U.S. Equestrian team at the Olympics, while others have worked on winners of Triple Crown Races.

Sabrina Kohoutek, a top graduate, was chosen to bring Equissage from the East Coast to the West Coast using the same curriculum, coursework and certification program; hence, Equissage California was formed. The Equissage California training facility is located in Valley Center, a beautiful horse community nestled in the hills of North San Diego County. The horses there are all working regularly, so there is always an array of muscular issues to be discussed and worked through together as a class. Their horses are all great teachers with each of them specializing in one aspect or another of the class. The Equissage facility includes a spacious classroom, cozy barn, arena, pastures, and plenty of great weather and ocean breezes.

The major emphasis in the ESMT Certification Program is on the safe application of massage techniques and massage strokes. Students will learn the basic physiology and anatomy of the muscular system. Students will also learn to be aware of the specific conditions which may affect the horse if those muscles become strained, pulled, tired, tense, sore, or not adequately nourished through blood and lymphatic circulation. Equissage is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Both the equine and canine programs provide 50 hours of continuing education.

G Spur Equine Hydrotherapy Center
Riverside, CA
(310) 422-0815
www.GspurEquineHydrotherapyCenter.com
At G Spur Equine Hydrotherapy Center, swimming the horses is the ultimate in training and therapy with absolutely no impact. This type of core strength training brings out the best in the “Now Fit” well-conditioned horse. The resistance naturally created by the water provides an aerobic workout to improve their respiratory and circulatory systems. The additional cardiovascular exertion from the hydrodynamic pressure placed on the ribcage and lungs, strengths the heart and lungs as they work harder to deliver enough oxygen to the muscles.

There is no concussive pounding on the limbs and joints that occurs with land based forms of training and rehabilitation; enhancing the horse’s attitude and behavior patterns. Sixty percent of the ground work can be replaced with a well-structured swimming program with less chance of foot, tendon, or ligament problems, therefore lowering the propensity to injury. The career of your horse can be prolonged because swimming can maintain his fitness without wearing out his joints. Because no limb is isolated, every muscle is conditioned equally. The optimum conditioning provided by swimming coupled with the increased extension, flexibility, and muscle mass may be just what you need to gain that competitive edge.

Swimming is therapeutic and aids tremendously in the healing process by increasing blood flow throughout the body. For a horse not yet able to swim we have a standing hydrotherapy area on the ramp of the pool where hydrojets circulate water around their legs to stimulate circulation for healing. The hydrojets are adjustable so circulation can be adjusted to specific affected areas such as ankles, knees, and hocks. The recovery process can often be sped up because swimming can begin while the horse is still healing. So by the time his injury has healed, he has maintained his level of fitness and can more easily get back in the game. The absence of mental and physical stress that accompanies typical workouts allows horses to relax and build confidence by swimming at their own pace while they work their way through recovery. We can work with your vet to tailor the recovery process most beneficial to your horse.

Performance Plus Equine Therapy
Serving All of Southern California
(817) 694-5133
Working with some of the finest veterinarians and trainers in Texas the past several years, Kelly Estes had the fortunate opportunity to become well trained in several different equine sports therapy modalities. Her preference, by far, is the Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF). This non-invasive treatment can alleviate soreness and/or stiffness throughout the whole body of the horse. As an adjunctive therapy, PEMF is ideal for preventive maintenance as well. “Treat before there’s Heat” is what she recommends to her clients. Waiting until your horse is showing the obvious signs of being sore, most generally means a costly trip to the vet and time off from training and/or showing. PEMF therapy can be added to normal maintenance programs and can save both time and money. Kelly started Performance Plus Equine Therapy to allow everyone the opportunity to better their horse’s physical soundness and performance. Not everyone can afford a PEMF machine but with Performance Plus Equine Therapy, you can reap the benefits of PEMF therapy. Being a mobile service allows horses to be treated in the comfort of their own environment, therefore resulting in less stress on the horse. She offers a wide range of packages, multi-horse and pre-paid discounts. Kelly works in conjunction with several vets throughout Texas, New Mexico and Southern California, and offers discounted rates to their clientele. Call for more information or visit us on Facebook – Performance Plus Equine Therapy.