Integrative Medicine

Equine Spinal Manipulation Therapy

In Florida, Spinal Manipulative Therapy is a veterinary term applied to animals in the same way that “chiropractic” is used in human medicine. At Brandon Equine Medical Center, board-certified surgeons Dr. Mike Maher and Dr. Leanne Fowler have advanced their veterinary training at the highly regarded Chi University, where they studied Spinal Manipulation Therapy.

Equine Spinal Manipulation Therapy (ESMT) uses motion palpation to find joint restrictions and helps restore a normal range of motion to the joint. It is a drug-free and non-invasive treatment. ESMT revitalizes freedom of movement, relaxes the muscles, and relieves pain. It can be used independently or combined with acupuncture. ESMT is not limited to injured horses but can also benefit sport and working horses.

Dr. Maher and Dr. Fowler are available to conduct evaluations and therapy treatments at the farm or the clinic. The initial evaluation will include a physical and neurologic examination and a consultation on the horse’s history and the owner’s concerns.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many different disease processes in the horse. Acupuncture can complement conventional medical and surgical therapies and can be useful to promote recovery in some conditions, such as acquired deafness, nerve injuries, and other disorders that have no conventional treatments. For older horses, acupuncture is an effective treatment to reduce arthritic pain, stimulate the appetite, and increase their cognitive function and overall energy level. Overall, acupuncture is an effective treatment to improve the quality of life of the horses we love and serve.

At Brandon Equine Medical Center, ambulatory clinician Dr. Leanne Fowler is specially trained to administer acupuncture treatments. She received her training at the well-known Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Click here to learn more about veterinary acupuncture.