1. How can I tell if this work will help my horse?
The types of problems that respond best to bodywork are those related to pain from muscles or skeletal imbalances. After your vet does a lameness exam and doesn't find anything conclusive, problems of intermittent lameness, deteriorating performance times, changes in ability to perform patterns or jumps, inability to collect, one sidedness i.e. difficulty taking particular leads, poor behavior, missed transitions, both up and down, dragging a limb, unusually head carriage or position, stiffness and repeated neck stretching are some of the issues that bodywork can help remedy.

2. Will this work hurt my horse?
Unlike some forms of chiropractic or drug therapy, this work is non- invasive and non-traumatic. While there are some conditions that may not respond as well as others, it doesn't make problems worse.

3. Does this replace my Vet?
No. Your vet should be your first resource for resolving lameness issues. Since many vets are focused on their area of expertise, they may not be aware of the techniques or benefits of therapeutic bodywork. Ideally, I work under a referral system with your vet. Not all vets are willing to do that, but that is the preferred method.

4. How long do treatments last?
It depends. Acute (recent) injuries that are caused by a definable, physical mechanism of injury usually respond quickly, in one session. Long term (chronic) problems or problems caused by the stress of competition or poor handling sometimes take longer.

5. What conditions can't this work help?
Therapeutic bodywork is unable to correct problems caused by disease, bone fractures, torn ligaments or tendons, behavior problems caused by poor handling or poor training. Even with these problems, bodywork can make the horse more comfortable and allow the horse to direct more energy to healing the actual problem instead of overall pain management. It can also reduce the strain and tension on injured systems or allow the horse to be able to focus on what the trainer is asking.

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