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Address: 5851 E Deer Park Rd,
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 443-4414
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Acupuncture & Chiropractic

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Acupuncture

Equine acupuncture at Equine Medical Services combines ancient eastern art with western science. Our veterinarians frequently use chiropractic treatment as well as acupuncture to complement standard sports medicine therapeutics. We have found the addition of acupuncture to patient care valuable in many cases diagnostically as well as therapeutically.

Acupuncture is one of the safest medical therapies available. It involves placing a very small needle, which is nearly painless, into specific points to cause an effect on the central nervous system through direct or indirect nerve stimulation. This nerve stimulation causes many systemic effects in the horse’s body.

Effects of acupuncture

  • Promotes proper nerve function
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Improves lymphatic flow
  • Addresses any circulation deficiencies
  • Relieves muscle spasms
  • Provides analgesia (decreases pain)
  • Anti-inflammatory effects, locally and throughout the entire body

Conditions in which acupuncture may be beneficial

  • Musculoskeletal problems such as sore back, lameness, or soft tissue injuries
  • Neurological problems such as facial paralysis
  • Respiratory problems such as heaves or allergies
  • Gastrointestinal problems such as colic
  • Reproductive problems
  • General health and wellness

Chiropractic

Dr. Bailey, a certified Veterinary Chiropractic practitioner, utilizes chiropractic care as an adjunct to treatment of the equine athlete. Chiropractic is fundamentally focused on maintaining balance by restoring motion to areas of the boney structure that have lost motion entirely or have a decrease in normal motion.

An abnormal motion or position of the vertebra leads to abnormal function of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and organ systems. A chiropractic adjustment is a learned skill that requires extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the patient and adjustment techniques. The adjuster palpates for loss of normal motion and restores motion using only their hands. This adjustment corrects the abnormal motion, allowing for proper body function and decreasing pain and inflammation.

Effects of chiropractic adjustment

  • Promotes proper nerve function
  • Promotes proper body movement
  • Relieves muscle spasms
  • Improves flexibility
  • Provides analgesia (decreases pain)
  • Anti-inflammatory effects, locally and throughout the entire body

Conditions in which chiropractic adjustments may be beneficial

  • Poor performance
  • Stiffness, especially when turning
  • Lameness
  • Back or neck soreness
  • Behavior change
  • Resistance to being saddled or groomed
  • General health and wellness