Services | Vitality Equine Well

Services Offered And Descriptions

Trigger Point Massage

A traditional Trigger Point Massage takes roughly 1 hour to complete, and involves a whole-horse approach. It is designed to relieve stressed and tight muscles that are found along the way, and promote a healthy increase in circulation.

Cold Laser Service

Cold Laser Service has been proven to stimulate favorable changes on a cellular level. It uses red and infrared light to promote these changes to the injured tissue's cell mitochondria, therefore signaling for an increase in ATP (adenosine triphosphate). I have class 3b as well as class 4 cold laser capability, which allows me to be more versatile with deeper and thicker tissues, depending on the need and protocol.

Stretching

Stretching the horse offers many benefits, including increasing suppleness and elasticity, as well as reducing the risk of pulled muscles and tendons. But did you know that proper stretching also enhances the nerve endings in muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that give the brain information regarding movement and body position? Studies have shown that certain ways of stretching can reset these nerve endings(proprioceptors) in horses that have been compensating/overcompensating/using their bodies improperly. The stretching service I offer includes a warm-up massage, stretching on all 4 legs, the thoracic sling, neck, back and croup.

Gua Sha

Also known as the Graston Technique, Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese massage method that utilizes specialized tools to scrape muscles, which achieves myofascial release. This release causes an increase in blood circulation of the muscles, which can promote healing, pain relief, increased flexibility, improved nerve conduction, and even relief of anxiety and fatigue.

Hay/Pasture Sampling, Evaluation, and Analysis

Find out what exactly is going into your equine friend's body by having your pasture evaluated, and by having a hay and pasture analysis done. True core samples will be sent to Equi-Analytical laboratory in Ithaca, NY for accurate results. Multiple sampling packages available to suit your needs. *Prices on pasture evaluation/analysis vary depending on the size of the pasture(s).

Nutritional Consultation/Diet Balancing

Every horse is different, depending on age, size, breed, job, level of activity, and state of general health. An active 3 day eventing horse certainly does not require the same diet as a middle-aged PPID horse on maintenance, much the same as a 5 month old foal will need a completely different diet than a competing racehorse. So much goes into proper feeding practices for any given animal, and developing a specific feeding plan for your horse(s) could certainly be the best choice to keep them healthy, happy, and even extend their longevity.

Pre and Post Event Massages

These are massages that are tailored to your horse's specific discipline. They are performed either before competing (to stimulate circulation and blood flow to the muscles), or after the event (for effective management and soothing of the worked tissues). They can be done both pre and post event, but the timing must be right and communication is key. A Pre Event Massage should take place between 20-40 minutes prior to your event, a Post Event Massage must be done after the horse has cooled down fully, but should be performed within 4 hours after the event for full benefit.

Tendon And Ligament Service

This particular type of massage is useful for tight and overstretched or damaged/injured lower leg tendons and ligaments. With the option of combining with Cold Laser Service, this modality can improve function and soundness by promoting circulation and rebuilding to commonly overlooked but crucial areas.

Acupressure

In Chinese tradition, the use of applying pressure on Acupoints running along appropriate meridians in the horse's body can effectively restore and balance personal Chi energy. Not to be confused with Acupuncture, Acupressure does not use needles and is non-invasive. This method is proving to be of great value in accelerating rebuilding after injury or surgery. It has also been shown to enhance blood circulation, reduce pain, and can build the immune system.

Ice Boot/Ice Hock Wrap Rental

Professional's Choice brand Ice Boots and Ice Hock Wraps are easy to use, just freeze and apply. These quality products will keep ice cold for right around 20 minutes, perfect for those instances when you need cold therapy and a cold hose isn't an option.

Cold Compression Cryotherapy

Cold temperature therapy (AKA "Cryotherapy") is first in line for the immediate treatment of many acute injuries and illnesses. From laminitis and tendon injuries to muscle strains, cellulitis and more, cryotherapy certainly has its place for decreasing swelling and promoting circulation. Vitality Equine Wellness is pleased to offer lower limb cold compression cryotherapy via AmericaCryo's Moove ice compression machine. This device offers the ability to use cold compression wraps (hock and lower leg) in a static or dynamic mode, utilizing ice water and pulsed compression to maximize effectiveness.