In recent years, animal owners have been in the search of ways to further enhance the health and well-being of their animals. Veterinary medicine is the most obvious way to ensure that livestock are healthy and performing well, but there are lots of alternative therapies that animal owners are turning to. Some of these alternatives include things like chiropractic care, massages, PEMF technology, acupuncture, and dietary supplements.
Of course, these treatments never replace vet care, but they can help animals such as horses and cattle perform better and heal faster following injuries and surgery.
In one example, massage therapy for animals is being increasingly recognized for its benefits in promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, and improving circulation. Massage can be used on all animals, but is most often used on horses. Massage therapy can help animals recover from exercise, possibly even reducing recovery time. Massage can also enhance flexibility, alleviate stiffness, and reduce pain in animals with joint and muscle aches. It can even reduce stress and have a calming effect on animals. While anyone can give horses and livestock a massage, there are therapists who specialize in providing massage therapy.
Just like people, animals can also go to the chiropractor. Chiropractic therapy focuses on the alignment of the spine and joints, aiming to improve the animal’s overall physical function. Misalignments can lead to pain, which can affect movement and performance. Pain from misalignments can even cause behavioral problems. Some chiropractors specialize in people and animals, while others focus solely on animals.
Techniques can vary greatly depending on the animal’s needs and factors like species, age, and more. Chiropractic care can be used to treat specific conditions or just as a sort of “tune up” for performance animals. Seeing a chiropractor can ensure that animals have normal range of motion, reduce pain, improve performance, and more.
Another interesting therapy is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. This technology is a non-invasive way to boost cellular metabolism. PEMF can penetrate deep into tissues, which may lead to a variety of health benefits, such as increased circulation, reduced inflammation, pain relief, and enhanced cellular repair.
PEMF got its start thanks to a NASA-funded study in the early 2000s. One example of this technology is MagnaWave. MagnaWave machines produce electromagnetic fields by pulsing a current through an attachment or coil. The attachment or coil is placed on or near the part of the body you want to target. Sessions range from 5-30 minutes. The current produced by this stimulates cells, which helps with cellular growth and repair. PEMF OP technology can provide pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved circulation, faster recovery time, increased bone density, and enhanced overall wellness. This technology is often used on performance animals, such as show livestock, bucking bulls, race horses, and animals recovering from injuries.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. This is often used on people, but can also be applicable to animals. It can be effective for various conditions in horses and livestock and can provide pain relief, relax muscles, improve digestion and help with digestive issues, and can even calm animals and reduce stress.
There is no shortage of dietary supplements and herbal remedies that can improve animal health. These supplements can support various health issues, from digestive disorders to respiratory conditions to joint pain and everything in between. While there are many products that can help, it’s important to consult a veterinarian or nutritionist before adding supplements to your animal’s diet.
An additional interesting therapeutic method is hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy uses water for therapeutic purposes, which could include swimming or using water treadmills. This technique is often used for rehabilitation and recovery following injuries. The buoyancy of water reduces strain on joints while allowing for a full range of motion, making it ideal for recovery from injuries or surgery since it provides low-impact activity. Hydrotherapy can improve muscle tone and strength, improves circulation, and reduces recovery time.
These are just a few of the interesting therapies being used today to improve well-being in animals. These methods often complement veterinary care and provide benefits to performance animals.
While these therapies are designed to improve health, it’s still important to work with professionals. Some veterinarians include some of these techniques in their work, while other people specialize in specific therapies. Either way, if you’re thinking of trying one of these on your animals, talk to a professional before starting. Awareness of these treatments is continuing to grow and many animal owners are finding that using these alternative therapies can lead to happier, healthier animals.
Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is a farmer, public speaker, and writer who has worked for years with row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
