CRT, CEKP, CELT, CEMT, CTPT, VT
Equine Rehabilitation
Nestled in the tranquil Black Forest of Northern Colorado Springs, we provide a boutique atmosphere and low-key healing environment. EER was designed to promote a safe and rapid advancement for horses recovering from injury. We take a natural, whole-body approach to give your horse every chance possible to make a successful return to performance by providing a variety of the latest in effective physical therapy options that allow your horse to receive the care that it will benefit from most. Our skilled staff is thoroughly trained and experienced, with a passion for horses and the desire to see your horse return rehabilitated, reconditioned, balanced and ready to perform.
Now offering MPS scar & adhesion reduction treatment.
How we help
We provide post-surgical and post-injury veterinary support and rehabilitation services through a holistic approach using the latest techniques and non-invasive modalities with a naturopathic approach at our boutique, case-focused facility conveniently located in Northern Colorado Springs.
Elite Equine Rehabilitation
Our certified and experienced rehabilitation specialist and bodywork practitioners offer care and support of the equine athlete with the latest therapeutic technologies, rehabilitation techniques and supportive veterinary care; through training and competition; post-injury and post-surgery. We work with many local veterinarians to offer the very best in combined Eastern and Western medicine. Offering both in-house and offsite rehabilitation services, we are equipped with the latest knowledge, equipment, technology and over 65 years combined experience for comprehensive care of your equine partner.
We also offer a full-service inpatient equine rehabilitation service for horses needing post-operative rehabilitation or musculoskeletal recovery. If your horse requires inpatient care supportive veterinary care, our rehabilitation specialist will customize a protocol to walk your horse through exercises and applied therapies daily, tailoring their care routine to their personalized plan to achieve the best outcome and accelerated progress.
Services
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Supportive veterinary Care (IV, IM and Oral Medication Administration, Complex and simple Bandage Changes etc)
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Acupuncture
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Shockwave
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Chiropractic
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LASER
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PEMF
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Cold-Compression
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Scar Reduction Therapy (SRT)
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Multi Laser System (MLS)
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Ultrasound Therapy
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KT Taping
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Trigger-point, fascia, and adhesion release
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Rehabilitation services (EquiCore, Waldhaussen, Pole work)
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Reconditioning rides
Specialized technology
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HaloTherapy: Salt Shed unit provides aerosol purified sodium chloride, chromotherapy and healing sound frequencies simultaneously.
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LASER and MultiLevel LASER: various levels of LASER frequencies work on a cellular level to increase circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing on a cellular level.
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Pulse ElectroMagnetic Field (PEMF): Realigns the polarity of damaged cells to flush toxins from damaged tissues, increase oxygen and nutrients to injury site and promote healing on a cellular level, especially useful in orthopedic healing.
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EquiCore: Helps horses with various injuries to improve muscle and core strength, with the use of resistance band system, to increase muscle strength, core stability and joint range of motion, playing an important role in individualized musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
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GameReady: A pneumatic compression with freezing water circulation device that works to move swelling and edema out of the limb, reducing inflammation.
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EquiTape: Kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape that has been used in the treatment of sports injuries and for relieving pain in humans and is being used increasingly in horses.
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Laser therapy can be used for wound healing, tendon/ligament injuries, pain modulation, muscle tears, and to decrease inflammation and swelling.
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Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a small, battery-operated device with electrodes applied directly to the horse’s skin to stimulate muscle contractions, treating muscle loss and weakness.
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Percussion massage minimizes muscle soreness and tension, increase circulation, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation.
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Rapid release therapy releases myofascial trigger points to increase circulation, relax muscles, and reduce pain.
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Shockwave therapy: A therapeutic modality that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in wounds, tendons, ligaments, and bony structures by increasing blood flow, growth of new blood vessels, and production of natural healing factors.
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Therapeutic ultrasound increases circulation, contractility of muscle fibers, and extensibility of tissue, and enhances cellular repair and decreases inflammation.
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a small, battery-operated device with electrodes applied directly to the horse’s skin that uses electrical energy to modulate pain, providing acute and chronic pain relief.
We partner with local veterinarians to provide equine diagnostic imaging service to help monitor and track progress with radiographs and ultrasound technologies and provide measurable results for our clients.
Bodywork Services
Equine bodywork has emerged as a vital component of holistic horse care, enhancing performance and well-being. It's an umbrella term for various techniques that aim to improve a horse's muscular health, joint mobility, and overall harmony. From massage to chiropractic adjustments, these modalities are revolutionizing equine care.
Professional equine therapists are now equipped with an array of tools to address the unique needs of each horse. They're trained in methods like myofascial release, acupressure, and stretching exercises, each designed to target specific issues. As the equestrian community becomes more attuned to the benefits of these practices, the demand for skilled practitioners is on the rise.
Understanding the nuances of each technique can help horse owners make informed decisions about their animal's care. Let's delve into the world of equine bodywork and explore how these hands-on therapies can lead to happier, healthier horses.
The Importance of Equine Bodywork
Equine bodywork is not merely a luxury but a crucial component in maintaining a horse's health and performance. The Equine Institute underscores the significance of these therapies, recognizing that horses are athletes in their own right, requiring regular upkeep to perform at their best. Just like human athletes, horses experience muscle tension, stiffness, and imbalances that can lead to discomfort and potential injuries.
Professional bodywork can detect early signs of distress that, if unaddressed, may evolve into more serious conditions. Early intervention is key to preventing the chronic progression of muscle and joint issues, which is why equine bodywork is so valuable. Routine sessions with a skilled therapist can help maintain the horse's muscle tone, increase circulation, and promote healing by:
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Enhancing range of motion
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Relieving tension
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Improving muscle symmetry
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Increasing lymphatic drainage
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Boosting overall well-being
Moreover, these sessions offer opportunities to bond with the horse, further understanding their individual needs and responses. This heightened awareness can lead to timely adjustments in a horse's care regimen, fostering a proactive approach to health and performance management.
The ongoing education offered by the Equine Institute ensures that those practicing equine bodywork stay abreast of the latest research and techniques. As the field continues to evolve, so does the knowledge and expertise required to deliver the highest quality care to these majestic animals. Keeping pace with contemporary methods, therapists are enabled to tailor their treatments more effectively to each horse's anatomical and psychological profile.
Equine bodywork is also essential in rehabilitation scenarios. When a horse is recovering from an injury, targeted techniques can support the healing process, not only by tending to the affected areas but also by compensating for the body’s natural tendencies to redistribute strain to other muscle groups.
Equine bodywork greatly enhances training regimens, allowing horses to achieve peak performance with reduced risk of injury. The strategic application of various bodywork techniques aligns with the goals of conditioning programs, ensuring that horses are not only fit for competition but also happier and more cooperative. This state of well-being is instrumental in establishing a positive and successful equestrian partnership.
Benefits of Equine Bodywork
Equine bodywork is a vital element of equine healthcare that promotes not only physical wellness but also emotional balance. Engaging in bodywork has manifold advantages that are recognized by institutions like The Equine Institute, cementing its place in comprehensive horse care programs.
Improved Circulation and Healing
Regular sessions of equine bodywork encourage improved blood circulation, which is critical for promoting healing and recovery. Increased blood flow transports essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and tissues, aiding in the repair of microtraumas and reducing recovery time after injury.
Stress Reduction and Behavioral Benefits
Horses, like humans, experience stress, which can manifest in their behavior and overall health. Bodywork serves as a stress reliever, contributing to a more relaxed demeanor, which is especially beneficial for animals undergoing training or rehabilitation. The calming effects of bodywork can translate into more focused and willing partners in their human-equine relationships.
Enhanced Range of Motion and Flexibility
Engaging in regular bodywork can directly impact a horse's mobility and flexibility. By addressing stiffness and tension in the muscles, a bodyworker helps extend the horse's natural range of motion, which can enhance performance, particularly for those involved in competitive disciplines.
Early Detection of Potential Issues
Professionals at EER understand that bodywork functions as a form of early detection for potential health concerns. Skilled therapists can identify subtle changes in a horse's musculature or behavior, allowing for prompt attention to issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The application of various techniques ensures no part of a horse's body is neglected, creating a holistic approach to care. This preventative aspect is invaluable, saving time, money, and potentially averting severe health crises. With a repertoire of techniques at their disposal, therapists can customize each session to the horse’s individual needs, thereby optimizing their well-being.
The array of benefits of equine bodywork addresses both prevention and enhancement in equine care, making it an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the welfare and performance of these majestic animals. Elite Equine Rehab continues to advocate for the integration of bodywork into routine horse care and recognizes it as a signifier of best practices in the industry.
Bodywork Packages
These packages are designed to offer stability and convenience to you and your horse while we treat a specific ailment or to keep up body maintenance for your horse after the ailment has resolved as a preventative measure. After the initial assessment, your therapist will recommend a treatment protocol specific to your horse. The package is inclusive of however many sessions are recommended (typically 6-8) as well as a waived travel fee. This is a commitment for your horse to receive care weekly to resolve an issue, or biweekly/monthly for maintenance. The price is $750 for 6 sessions or $940 for 8 sessions.
Massage & Bodywork Package/Session
$160 ($35 Savings!)
Included:
Massage & Myofascial Release (individually priced @ $110)
Kinesiology/KT Taping (individually priced @ $35)
LASER (Individually priced at $40)
Trip Charge ($10)
Multi-Horse Packages
Two Horses in the same visit:
$150/horse
after initial evaluation
Three-six horses in the same visit:
$145/horse
after initial evaluation
Multi-horse packages can be arranged among multiple barns within 15 minutes of each other.
All horses must be scheduled to receive special rates.
Techniques in Equine Bodywork
Equine bodywork encompasses a variety of techniques designed to maintain and improve a horse's well-being. Practitioners at Elite Equine Rehab continue to use these methods not only to enhance physical wellness but also to support emotional balance in horses, a testament to their holistic approach in equine care.
One of the most recognized techniques is Equine Massage Therapy. This involves the manipulation of the horse's muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension, increase circulation, and promote relaxation. Skilled therapists may use various massage styles and techniques techniques, for relaxation and sports massage to support athletic performance.
Myofascial Release is another key modality. Through this technique, therapists address the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, known as fascia. The goal is to release restrictions that limit movement, thereby improving flexibility and range of motion. This is essential for horses that perform repetitive movements, which can lead to tightness and imbalances in the fascial system.
The benefit of Acupressure lies in its ability to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. By applying pressure to specific trigger points on the horse's body, practitioners aim to release adhesions and restore the balance of energy and mobility, which can support overall health and pain relief.
Chiropractic Adjustments, performed by DVM Melanie Robinson with Equine Health Services, focus on the alignment of the spine and joints. Through proper adjustment, they ensure that the nervous system functions optimally, which is critical for maintaining the horse’s coordination, mobility, and pain management.
Our Equine bodywork practitioners and veterinarians also highlight the importance of Stretching Exercises as part of equine bodywork. Regular stretching helps to prevent injuries and aids in muscle recovery after exercise. It's particularly useful for sport horses or older horses who need support to maintain their flexibility.
LASER therapy. As light goes from one energy level, to a lower energy level, a photon is released. The released photon, from light within the specific weave lengths of 450nm,660nm and 850nm are then absorbed by the mitochondria. The mitochondria is the power plant of the cells, it's here the ATP (energy) is produced. The photon stimulates the energy being metabolized, in the muscles and the bones, along with the epidermis. The LED treatment promotes accelerated normal healing and regeneration of the tissue. But will not produce overgrowth or neoplastic transformation in the tissue. Thereby shortening the duration of recovery after an injury, by promotion accelerated healing in the tissue, reducing pain and inflammation, addressing physiological imbalances and enhancing the horse's emotional well-being.
The inclusion of these techniques, and many more, into a horse care program ensures that equine athletes and companions alike receive the care they need to thrive. Highly trained by practitioners are equipped with an array of tools to support the health and performance of these magnificent animals.
As we continue to be educated, we are adding additional services and modalities to better serve your equine companion.
We are now booking for our NEW Chromo/Halo therapy shed. Chromotherapy is the application of visible light, the color spectrum, to aid in tissue regeneration and healing by influencing the frequencies and vibrations in the body. Halo therapy is a holistic and drug-free therapeutic method to improve respiration, reduce inflammation in the lungs, increase lung capacity, and improve cardiovascular function. We have combined these two non-invasive holistic modalities to be offered simultaneously to both improve and enhance cardiovascular performance and promote healing by addressing the functions of the body as a whole from the inside out.
Nervous System Regulation
For the anxious horse that is always on-edge . Great for horses who've experienced past physical or emotional trauma.
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Help to identify and ease triggers
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Use of horse-safe essential oils to aid in relaxation
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Optional add-on: anxiety/tension coaching to give you tools to help ground your horse in stressful situations that come up in-between sessions
Injury Recovery
Shorten recovery time once your vet has cleared your horse for bodywork.
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Great addition to any rehab program
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Help maintain muscle tone to prevent further issues arising from stall rest
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Increase circulation and lymphatic drainage when your horse is confined to a stall for long periods of time
Senior Care
Help maintain quality of life and keep your senior horse comfortable.
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Reduce pain naturally, so less medication is required
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Recommend monthly sessions to increase circulation, maintain muscle tone, and joint heath
Halotherapy with Chromotherapy
Also known as dry salt therapy, halo therapy is applied in an enclosed space by a halo generator where tiny salt particles are released into the air and inhaled into the respiratory system. Using the salt’s natural anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, the deep pockets of the lungs called alveoli are cleansed through negative ionization, release of toxins, breaking up mucus, and resulting in open airways with an increase ease of breath. For the athletically-inclined individual, halo therapy provides a range of benefits from increased lung capacity, increased ease of breath through nasal breathing, and improved cardiovascular function allowing increased athleticism with a reduction of fatigue and injury
ChromoTherapy
While the exact underlying mechanism of chromotherapy remains somewhat elusive, its effects are undeniably discernible. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that chromotherapy has physiological impacts on horses, extending beyond mere placebo effects.
Research reveals that chromotherapy can substantially reduce stress indicators, such as cortisol levels, in horses. Reduced stress is always advantageous, positioning chromotherapy not only as a solution for health concerns but also as a means to enhance a horse’s general sense of well-being
For horses, optimized lighting impacts coat condition, muscle development, immunity, fertility, behavior and mood. It is hard to believe that a lighting system can impact so many aspects of a horse’s health and welfare. Dr. Barbara Anne Murphy, Founder & CSO at Equilume.
MPS Scar Release Therapy
MPS Therapy is the application of the Dolphin Neurostim to therapeutically integrative protocols. MPS applies brief, concentrated DC microcurrent impulses to specific treatment points to relax muscles, calm the nervous system and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. When MPS is applied to pathology influencing all three systems — nervous, muscular and endocrine — making MPS therapy effective for treating many chronic and acute soft-tissue pain conditions.
Cutting Edge LASER Therapy
PEMF with Centurion
LASER Therapy
PEMF
We use LASER therapy regularly to treat muscle injury or soreness, tendon and ligament injuries, and wounds. Lasers are grouped by wavelength, output power, and emittance mode, ranging from Class I to Class IV. In general, light treatment increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage and triggers cell processes that promote healing. Recent study results are confirming laser therapy significantly improves short- and long-term healing of wound, tendon and ligament lesions, creating an exciting option for treating these soft tissue injuries.
Equine Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate cells and promote natural cellular regeneration and vigor in horses 1. It is used to treat a variety of conditions in horses, including hoof and joint issues, tendon and ligament injuries, sore backs, inflammation, gastric ulcers, laminitis, stone bruises, and more.
PEMF therapy for horses accelerates healing and quick recovery from injuries, as well as faster recovery after a long day of work or a hard race. It’s used to heal bone fractures and repair cracked hooves. Regular use of electromagnetic therapy can improve recovery time for horses by as much as 70%.
What makes the Centurion Therapulse Blanket unique is its ability to treat the entire body of the horse in one session. The blanket contains 10 coils placed strategically along its length in order to treat the horse as efficiently as possible.
Cold Compression
E-Stim
Game Ready combines cold and compression therapy to prevent and remove any active swelling when it occurs. It minimizes damage following injury and helps equine athletes heal faster during rehabilitation. The cold has a local anesthetic effect that can significantly reduce pain and inhibit reflexive muscle spasms in the horse. Early use of cold therapy can reduce primary bleeding through vasoconstriction and vasodilation, both of which inhibit swelling. The reduced tissue temperature will lower the metabolic rate of both the involved and uninjured cells, decreasing their demand for oxygen.
Simultaneously with cold therapy, Game Ready uses active and adjustable compression to eliminate swelling. Compression causes the horse’s muscles to contract and relax to push fluids and edema through the lymphatic drainage system. In addition, compression drives the cold therapy deeper into the tissues for longer lasting effects.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) uses specific electrical impulses to activate muscle groups. The activation of muscle works by boosting strength, reducing the negative effects of being laid-up, and improving range of motion. NMES treatments reduce muscle spasms and pain, while also increasing blood flow to the muscle.
NMES is applied with small electrode pads that are placed over the target muscles. A compact control unit (usually smaller than a cell phone) is used to adjust the waveform, strength of impulse, and time of the treatment.
Shockwave
EquiVibe Plate
Shockwave
Vibration Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an emerging new technology for treating musculoskeletal problems, soft tissue injuries and bone injuries in horses. ESWT is non-invasive, used to stimulate healing to return horses to a level of fully sound, useful activity without recurrence of disease.
The machine generates high-intensity acoustic waves, which pulse to a localized site within the injured tissue. to cause localized microtrauma that stimulates the bodies natural healing processes. The shock waves are believed to stimulate angiogenesis / neovascularization (new blood vessels) and neurogenesis (new nerve cells). The microtrauma increases local circulation and enhances breakdown of calcifications (calcium build-up).
Outside of conditioning soft tissues and developing muscles, which leads to increased strength and equine bone density, one of the immediate effects of WBV (whole body vibration) on the EquiVibe platform is improved lymphatic and blood circulation.
Improved circulation is of significant benefit to the equine athlete, because increased blood flow improves oxygenation of the tissues, supporting the removal of toxins and metabolic waste, which boosts the immune system and enhances the body’s natural ability to stay healthy and heal itself drug free, which translates into less illness, soreness and especially – injury prevention.
Therapeutic Massage
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Equine massage therapy is a form of bodywork designed explicitly for horses. It involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the horse’s body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, through various techniques to promote relaxation, relieve pain and tension, and improve overall well-being.
Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to treat horses. According to an article in Equine Wellness Magazine, each horse embodies common physical and behavioral characteristics of the Five Elements of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. By understanding how Five Elements and their patterns relate to your horse, you can learn how to keep your horse healthy and happy on a deep, lasting level of wellness. We work closely with Dr. Melanie Robinson, DVM with Equine Health Services to provide these services on a case-by-case basis.
Kinesiology Taping
Bodywork
"KT Taping" method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, EquiTape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric equine, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. The EquiTape Taping Method was specifically developed for horses with a uniquely patterned, heat activated adhesive. This is a therapeutic taping technique not only offering your horse the support they are looking for, but also rehabilitating the affected condition as well. By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, EquiTape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.
Bodywork is a gentle, non-invasive, complementary therapy that uses soft touch to address structural, physiological, behavioral and emotional issues to optimize performance. Bodywork includes body balancing techniques, physical touch and energy work that target the musculoskeletal system to address asymmetries of the equine body – specifically, soft tissue, nervous system and fascia.
Scar Release Therapy
Often, scars result in a tightening of the surrounding tissue that can restrict movement or function in the body. These restrictions not only affect the joint, limb or surrounding area, but they can affect the underlying organs, too. This is because scar tissue has the potential to spread in any direction, including internally, throughout the body. Fortunately, releasing the scar can yield powerful results, which can improve mobility, diminish complications and decrease pain often associated with deep scars.
MPS (Microcurrent Point Stimulation) is the method used to release scars and is especially effective in treating large, deep, painful scars. The term ‘release’ refers to the releasing or relaxing of contracted and tightened tissue. Coupled with manual release work (a specialized type of massage), MPS Scar/Adhesion Release Therapy significantly reduces the restrictions of scar tissue.
Type of Scars
There are different types of scars. The type of scar that forms depends on the age of the person, skin type, skin condition, heredity and the severity of the wound. Some of the most common types are:
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Hypertrophic scars (raised and often red)
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Keloidal scars (much like hypertrophic, but spread far beyond the boundaries of the original injury)
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Atrophic scars (these leave depressions in the skin)
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Contracture scars (flat, tight scars that constrict movement, often caused by burns)
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Acne scars (pitting caused by the stretching of pores)
In general, this treatment is completely painless. The use of the microcurrent probes, on the tissue surrounding the scar, creates a healing, inflammatory response. Dead cells and scar tissue are broken down by the body; circulation is increased to the area; and the lymphatic system excretes the dead cells. You will see visible changes in the appearance of the scar and gradually will notice a reduction in the tightness and restriction felt at the site of the scar. The duration of treatment will depend on how long you’ve had the scar, how deep it is, and the severity of any pain you may be having. There is no expiration date on scar release. MPS has helped a Vietnam veteran retain the use of his leg, some forty years after his multiple gunshot injury. Equally, burns and scarring from childhood have been successfully released, with accompanying beneficial results, several decades after the time of the injury.
Since the body’s fascial system is interconnected, a restriction or adhesion in one area will often affect other areas and result in compensation patterns and pain. When a scar has been released there is no longer a restriction in the flow of energy, blood circulation and lymph drainage. The body can then complete the healing process.
Whether from injury or surgery, scar tissue can been significantly improved and softened and circulation and function can be greatly improved with MPS Scar/Adhesion Release Therapy.
Ultrasound
Acupuncture
Contact Us
1670 Spring Valley Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
719-428-0104