Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
FES is used to create deep muscular contractions that support rehabilitation, improve recruitment, and address the asymmetry and spasm patterns seen in many performance horses. It can be helpful when a horse needs more than rest alone.
- Stimulate muscles, tendons, and ligaments to restore normal movement to injured tissue.
- Promote edema reduction and enhance tissue healing by increasing blood and lymph circulation through muscle movement.
- Stimulate muscle activity and sensory nerves for pain relief.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is used to treat selected soft tissue and musculoskeletal problems where pain control, mobility, and tissue response all matter. Treatment depth and application are matched to the structure involved rather than applied generically.
The practice uses shockwave as part of a broader plan, not as a shortcut. For many horses, the real value is in combining the right therapy with the right diagnosis and the right rehabilitation timing.
Equine Biologic Therapies
Biologic therapies use the horse’s own blood or bone marrow products to influence healing and inflammation in a more targeted way. They are most useful when the diagnosis is clear and the treatment plan is built around the horse’s workload, tissue type, and stage of recovery.
- Joint disease, such as cartilage damage or osteoarthritis, when steroids have not resolved lameness.
- Cases with contraindications to steroids (e.g., endocrine disorders).
- Soft tissue injuries.
- Post-surgical rehabilitation.
Biologic Therapy Options:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): A concentrated platelet solution that, once injected, releases growth factors promoting new blood vessel formation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue regeneration.
- Prostride: A concentrated blood product containing cells, platelets, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. It is prepared stall-side and administered on the same day, offering immediate benefits.
- Stem Cells: Derived from bone marrow, mesenchymal stem cells are cultivated to produce a high number of cells for treating conditions like meniscus injuries and tendon healing. Dr. Daniel has achieved remarkable success using stem cell therapy in horses that historically may not have regained soundness.
- IRAP (Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein): A targeted anti-inflammatory cytokine therapy. Blood is incubated in a specialized syringe for 20 hours to multiply the IL-1ra protein. The serum is then separated, stored, and injected, commonly used for joint or suspensory ligament injuries. Learn more at The Horse.
Polyacrylamide Gels:
Polyacrylamide gels are advanced injectable treatments used to restore joint function and alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis and other joint disorders. These hydrogels integrate into the synovial lining and surrounding tissues, providing long-term joint lubrication and cushioning. By enhancing the joint’s structural integrity, polyacrylamide gels reduce inflammation and friction, leading to sustained pain relief and improved mobility. They are particularly beneficial for horses that have not responded to traditional therapies, offering a non-steroidal, regenerative approach to joint care.
Regenerative Laser Therapy
Combining Therapeutic and regenerative components, our RLT laser from sound is the best on the market. Short, HIGH energy pulses are produced from light to create photo-acoustic sound waves. The photo-acoustic waves are produced isotropically (in all directions) to agitate the extracellular matrix and release growth factors. This component of the laser is what separates it from others on the market.