THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

The functional equine osteopathic approach is extremely safe and suitable for most horses, regardless of their age, conformational attributes, breed or chosen discipline. 

Benefits are numerous and may include:

• Improved range of motion and quality of motion.
• Improved fluid flow (lymphatic, arterial, venous, interstitial, and cerebrospinal).
• Supported joint health
• Enhanced tissue healing. 
• Improved relaxation. 
• Improved gait quality.
• Reduced Inflammation. 
• Identification and management of areas of discomfort and pain.
• Enhanced performance and stamina.
• Improved proprioception.
• Supported recovery and rehabilitation.
• Identification and management of environmental and social factors affecting your horse. 
• Development of management plans to incorporate stability, flexibility and strength (whatever is required for the individual horse).
• Restoration of vitality to the body.
• Promotion of overall well-being.
• Identification of subtle issues before they become bigger problems.

Please note: this therapy is not a substitute for veterinary care and is not intended to replace a veterinary evaluation or to diagnose a medical condition. Majestic Horse Functional Therapy does not diagnose or treat illness, and does not prescribe medications. 

Beneficial for horses of all ages and disciplines, from young horses in training; a horse returning to exercise after time off due to injury or illness; to older horses with chronic conditions. By addressing issues in the body's structure and function, an osteopathic approach can help improve range and quality of motion; reduce stiffness and soreness; enhance performance; and have a positive impact on a horse's mental and emotional state (by reducing pain, tension and instability in the body).

There are conditions where treatment is contraindicated. Some contraindications are to a specific type of technique to a specific area (local/relative), or to treatment as a whole (absolute). With certain conditions or injuries, Angela will not treat unless veterinary approval has been granted. Some contraindications can include:

• Signs of shock, lethargy and/or acute pain.
• Recent injury (may require vet clearance for treatment to occur).
• A recent change in demeanour, resulting in unusual behaviour. 
• Near open wounds.  
• Infection or fever.    
• Signs that the animal is excessively cold or traumatized.
• Joint laxity.
• Fracture.
• Joint disease (osteochondrosis dissecans, acute inflammation, loose bodies).
• Colic/abdominal pain. 
• A heart condition – dependent on age and vet advice/clearance.
• Infectious disease.
• Inability to apply body weight/weight-bearing lameness.
• A recent operation (may require recovery prior to treatment. Vet clearance will be sought).
• Neurological conditions.

Depending on the nature of the contraindication, Angela may direct you to consult a vet prior to treatment.  

Angela will discuss health and exercise levels with you prior to organising a session, in order to provide the best level of care for your horse. It is the horse owner's responsibility to advise of any contraindications when asked at time of booking an appointment.

Angela will also work in conjunction with other allied professionals and will refer to veterinarians, farriers, nutritionists, equine dentists, behaviourists etc to complement treatments and to achieve the best outcome for your horse.  

Red light therapy is a very efficient, safe, and non-invasive way of promoting healing and reducing pain and inflammation. It is similar to acupuncture but without the needles. The red light torch (which is a specific wavelength of red light) is applied to areas of concern such as muscle soreness or wounds, or to acupoints on the horse’s body to promote the body’s immune responses and healing abilities, and to produce a therapeutic effect. 

Benefits of red light therapy include:

• Increased vascularity or circulation by the formation of new capillaries.
• Significant increases in wound healing with less formation of scar tissue.
• Reduction in swelling.
• Pain relief.
• Stimulation of cellular processes.
• Relaxation of muscles and reduction in muscle soreness.
• Stimulation of collagen production.
• Stimulation of  Phagocytosis – ingestion of dead cells.
• Relief of other minor aches and pains.
• Increased RNA and DNA synthesis.
• Stimulation of trigger and acupuncture points.
• Increased lymphatic drainage and circulation.
• Enhanced natural healing.
• Stimulates tissue granulation.
• Increases the release of ATP (raw cellular energy).
• Improved body function.
• Balanced Chi.
• Easing of emotional stress.

Photonic red light therapy has been scientifically proven to address physiological, mental and emotional issues in animals, and can be used for a number of conditions:

• soft tissue injuries
• inflammatory conditions
• open wounds
• swelling
• scarring
• laminitis
• joint pain and arthritis 
• colic, ulcers and gastro-intestinal issues
• hormonal issues
• anxiety
• viral infections
• endocrine issues
• muscle soreness. 

Please note: Photonic Red Light Therapy is not intended to replace veterinary care or a veterinary evaluation. It is however, a safe, effective and scientifically-proven complementary therapy.