Alternative Therapies
In addition to traditional sports medicine,
Damascus Equine Associates
offers a wide range of alternative therapies.
When used properly by a trained veterinarian, alternative
therapies can aid in your horse’s return from an injury.
Currently, DEA offers acupuncture, chiropractics, mesotherapy
and prolotherapy.
Acupuncture
Dr. Lewis performing acupuncture on a horse with facial paralysis
Acupuncture is a treatment based on the Chinese theory that pain is caused by the blockage of energy flow, or Chi, in the body. Acupuncture comes for the Latin words acus (needle) and puncture (a pricking). Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points to relieve the blockage and restore the normal flow of Chi. Dr. Lewis is currently the only licensed acupuncturist within DEA.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is used to stimulate the mesoderm (middle layer of the skin) and reduce muscle spasms and pain. Small needles are used to inject various substances that stimulate sensory pain fibers within the mesoderm.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy uses a dextrose solution injection around tendons and ligaments. Prolotherapy re-establishes the inflammatory process that aids in fiber repair. The new fibers promote strength within the tendon or ligament.
Chiropractics
Chiropractic is the manipulation of the horse’s spine which allow for adjustments that restore function and reduce pain to the spine and surrounding tissues. Chiropractic is most commonly used to treat neck and back pain.
