Acupuncture is a complementary therapy which is often used alongside conventional veterinary medicine and physiotherapy to provide pain relief, support peak performance and help with rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. It involves inserting sterile needles into specific points of the body to stimulate nerve endings and prompt a response from the nervous system. It can be used to treat muscle pain and soreness and is especially useful to aid with orthopaedic conditions.
No, acupuncture doesn't hurt but it may have an unpleaseant sensation in areas that are particularly sore or hypersensitive. Most horses tolerate acupuncture well and actually relax and enjoy the procedure, it can cause the body to release serotonin which relaxes the horse and causes a pleasant sensation. We are careful to introduce horses slowly if it is their first session, we will usually put a few needles in first and gradually build them up.
Most musculoskeletal issues can be helped by acupuncture alongside conventional therapies.
Common conditions that may be improved with acupuncture are:
In the UK, acupuncture can legally only be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon. We can carry out acupuncture at our Wolston yard, or at your yard - we require a clean stable ideally with the bedding swept back. Your horse must be clean and dry to be treated.
The vet will assess the horse in the first session, we will often want to see the horse move, we will feel all over the horse to assess the musculature, where we have tight areas and trigger points. Needles will be inserted to the appropriate areas and we wait for them to release and the muscles to relax before removing them. We ask for the horse to be in a quiet and calm environment where possible, sedation is not usually required. The session itself usually takes between 30-60minutes. After the session management depends on the reason we are carrying out the acupuncture, generally we advise not to work the horse that day and to then return to usual work the next day.
If you would like to discuss acupuncture, please contact our practice team.
Phone: 01295 670501
Email: reception@avonvaleequine.co.uk
Address: The Churns, Home Farm Drive, Upton, Banbury, OX15 6HU
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. 24-hour emergency line available.
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