Equine Chiropractic Care in Palm City, FL
Equine chiropractic, also known as veterinary medical manipulation, involves assessing the range of motion of all joints in the body to find areas of decreased motion, called restrictions. Restrictions can cause poor performance, pain, and muscle tension. At Harbour Ridge Equine, treatment involves gentle, specific adjustments of these restricted joints to aid in restoring normal range of motion and increase your horse’s comfort.
request an appointmentWhat to Expect at Your Appointment
Your appointment will include gait analysis in hand, a full examination of joints and musculature, and a complimentary saddle fit assessment. After treatment, a personalized plan will be created for your horse as needed. Chiropractic can benefit any horse, from the newborn foal to the competition horse to the older retiree.
Signs Your Horse May Benefit From Chiropractic
- Stiffness or uneven movement
- Difficulty bending or picking up a lead
- Resistance under saddle or behavior changes
- Sensitivity when brushed or saddled
- Uneven muscle development
- Decline in performance
Because these signs can also point to lameness, chiropractic care works best alongside a lameness and sports medicine evaluation when needed.
Veterinarian-Performed Chiropractic
Because our chiropractic care is provided by a licensed veterinarian, your horse benefits from a complete medical perspective. Dr. Gallina can recognize when discomfort may be related to an injury, dental issue, or other medical condition and recommend appropriate diagnostics, such as dental care or internal medicine testing. Chiropractic is also a valuable part of maintaining sport horses and supporting a preventative care routine.
Please note: Chiropractic care does not replace traditional veterinary medicine but is intended to work concurrently with traditional medicine to optimize health and comfort.
Equine Chiropractic FAQs
What is included in my chiropractic appointment?
Each appointment includes gait analysis in hand, assessment of the range of motion of all joints including limbs, spine, and head, evaluation of musculature and soft tissues, medical manipulation of any joints with a reduced range of motion, discussion of any at-home training or physical therapy recommendations, and a complimentary saddle fit assessment.
Where was Dr. Gallina trained as an equine chiropractor?
Dr. Gallina is certified in equine chiropractic by the Chi University in Ocala, FL. She completed over 90 hours of continuing education including several lab sessions in Ocala, where she fine-tuned her skills under top medical manipulators. This program is exclusive to equine veterinarians.
Will chiropractic help my horse?
Chiropractic can benefit any horse, from the newborn foal to the competition horse to the older retiree. It is particularly useful for maintaining or improving performance as well as the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
How often should my horse have a chiropractic appointment?
This varies greatly from horse to horse depending on the examination findings. After your first appointment, Dr. Gallina will recommend an individualized plan for your horse. For maintenance of the sport horse, chiropractic is typically recommended every 4-6 weeks during active competition, but this can be modified for owner preference.
Is equine chiropractic painful for my horse?
No. Adjustments are gentle and specific, and most horses relax during treatment.
Can I ride my horse after a chiropractic adjustment?
Your veterinarian will give you specific recommendations after treatment, which may include light work or rest depending on your horse’s findings.
Does chiropractic replace traditional veterinary care?
No. Chiropractic care is intended to work concurrently with traditional veterinary medicine to optimize your horse’s health and comfort.
Schedule Your Horse’s Chiropractic Appointment
Help your horse move freely and comfortably. Call Harbour Ridge Equine at (561) 744-9026 to book an equine chiropractic appointment.