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.
How we help
We provide post-surgical and post-injury veterinary support and rehabilitation services through a holistic approach using naturopathy with the latest techniques and non-invasive modalities at our boutique, case-focused facility conveniently located in Northern Colorado Springs.
EER
HOLISTIC PRACTICE
PHILOSOPHY
Elite Equine Rehab has developed a whole-horse treatment approach that combines conventional medicine with alternative therapies to promote healing and balance and ease discomfort. There's no arguing that good nutrition can prevent injuries and be used as therapy when healing as well. Protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins are all critical to health and healing. Here at EER, we feed a proprietary blend of herbs such as white willow bark, Maritime pine bark, devil’s claw, millet, linseed, comfrey, yarrow, and horsetail can support and stimulate the horse’s healing potential by working with its body. Rehabilitative exercises are also essential to promote and facilitate progression in recovery without re-injury.
While working trackside, on farms calls and in surgery suite alongside some of the performance horse industry's leading veterinarians, Gina developed a passion for rehabbing these incredible athletes. With the thought of getting the horses back to performing at optimal level in the least amount of time, she realized the importance of incorporating techniques that also help ensure the horse remains comfortable and that there will be a lower level of recurrence of injury once back to work. While there is certainly a place in the rehabilitation process for more western medicine, we believe in utilizing a more integrative approach that considers the whole body to determine treatment, not just the symptom. The treatment protocol plays a critical role in supporting horses during their rehabilitation phase after a surgical procedure or injury. Proper equine rehabilitation requires time, patience, and flexibility to ensure successful healing of the injured horse. While veterinary care is essential for the horse’s recovery, a holistic approach that includes physiotherapy, proper nutrition, exercise, and equine therapeutic massage and other bodywork modalities can aid in the recovery process, help prevent further injuries, and facilitate a faster recovery.
"When you touch one thing with deep awareness,
you touch everything."
- Lao Tzu
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Services
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
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Three-six horses in the same visit:​​
$145/horse
after initial evaluation
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Multi-horse packages can be arranged among multiple barns within 15 minutes of each other.
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All horses must be scheduled to receive special rates.
Techniques in Equine Bodywork
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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.
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.
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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.
Ultrasound
Acupuncture
Contact Us
1670 Spring Valley Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
719-428-0104