Equine Sports Therapy

08/14/2026

05/17/2026

Using the tens unit to relieve muscle tension

01/15/2026

The United States are the only country where I've ever seen joint injections being sold to horse owners as "maintenance". When I ask horse owners if they go to an annual visit with their primary care physician and have all of their joints injected they typically say "of course not", but why do they think it needs to be done on their horses?

Joint injections with cortisone are a common method for pain relief in osteoarthritis, but they should be considered critically, as repeated or high-dose applications can cause cartilage and bone damage, tendon shortening or rupture, and an increased risk of infection, making the long-term consequences riskier; therefore, they are often used for a limited time and with caution.

Risks and critical thoughts:

Cartilage and bone damage: Repeated injections can promote cartilage breakdown and even accelerated joint degeneration, especially in joints that are under more pressure.

Tendon and ligament degeneration: Cortisone can weaken tendons and ligaments, increasing the risk of tears (never have I seen that many suspensory injuries anywhere else!).

Slowed healing: Inflammation is important for healing; cortisone interrupts this process and can delay healing.

Side effects at the injection site: Skin discoloration and infections are possible, but infections are rare.

Systemic effects: In metabolic horses blood sugar levels may rise; ACTH levels in cushings horses rise, increased appetite and weight gain are possible.

In humans steroid injections have found to be the cause of Rapid Destructive Hip Disease. Injections in horses are a huge money making factor, so there aren't pharmaceutical companies who are willing to invest money into studies that prove this "maintenance" causes more harm than good.

Regular bodywork that strengthens the musculoskeletal frame and breaks up compensation patterns is the only thing that should be called "maintenance".

05/19/2025

I will be a vendor at the upcoming event on May 31st at the Horsefest in Wildwood,MO. Come out to enjoy the fun and meet other equestrian vendors.
https://facebook.com/events/s/rockwoods-rockin-horsefest-202/1268475817473625/

03/14/2025

I have noticed a disturbing trend lately: I see a lot of people asking for chiropractors when what they really mean is that they need a bodyworker.

This use of the term “chiropractor” as an an all inclusive category for bodyworker leads to miscommunication, as some people use the term correctly and some don’t. It also leads to the perpetuation of the idea that the best or most comprehensive therapy for horses is chiropractic, when in fact many horses would benefit more from massage with myofascial release or from alternating between chiropractic care and massage therapy.

This misconception likely stems from the fact that many people don’t understand the what the different therapies do for the horse. Here is one way that I like to explain the difference between a chiropractor and a massage and myofascial therapist:

Now, Imagine you have a wonderful, sturdy box…
https://koperequine.com/the-box-analogy-and-why-you-need-to-know-it/

02/27/2025

Necks, backs and stifles oh my! Not to worry Equine massage and electro acupressure can treat them all. Improve your horse’s performance and recovery with massage and acupressure. Call or send a message to schedule an appointment 417-699-0995

02/06/2025

Equine electro acupressure uses acupoints to accurately treat the muscle to reduce inflammation and tension in the muscle. This mild electrical impulse penetrates the deep muscles. This treatment can be used in the lumbar sacral area to treat pain in the hindquarters.
Help your horse perform at their best. If your horse has back and hindquarter pain schedule an appointment.