EDO, CEKP, CELT, CEMT, CTPT, VT
Equine Rehabilitation
Welcome to
Nestled in the tranquil Black Forest of Northern Colorado Springs, we provide a boutique atmosphere and low-key healing environment. EER was designed to promote a safe and rapid advancement for horses recovering from injury. We take an osteopathic, whole-body approach to give your horse every chance possible to make a successful return to performance by providing a variety of the latest in effective physical therapy options that allow your horse to receive the care that it will benefit from most. Our skilled staff is thoroughly trained and experienced, with a passion for horses and the dedicated to seeing your horse return rehabilitated, reconditioned, balanced and ready to perform at their peak.
Now Offering Osteopathic Assessment & Treatment
How we help
We provide post-surgical and post-injury veterinary support and rehabilitation services through a holistic approach using the latest techniques and non-invasive modalities with a naturopathic approach at our boutique, case-focused facility conveniently located in Northern Colorado Springs.
Our Clients Say
"My mare sustained a lesion in her DDFT and was in need of rehab. The team at Elite Equine not only went above and beyond to provide everything she needed, but they had her back to reconditioning quicker than anticipated after an "all-clear" from the vet at our 90 day ultrasound. I am forever grateful"
-Sara
“In August of 2024 my daughter’s main competition horse tore her pectoral muscle. For a barrel horse, this is life altering. We contacted our vet and she was placed on stall rest and given treatment. We did all we could over the next few months to get her to heal. She just never seemed to be better. In December, I was at my wits end and reached out to EER. We took Mocha in for an evaluation, fully thinking she would never compete again. Gina looked at her, performed an assessment and stated "we can fix this." I literally cried!
We set up a plan and we stuck to it. She talked with Gina on a pretty regular basis and they worked closely together to rehab Mocha. Fast forward to May 2025. Mocha had a follow-up and My daughter was given the go ahead to start riding Mocha. With Gina's continued guidance and care plan, she helped to condition her for competition. July 22nd my daughter competed on Mocha at a local barrel race (Run For A Cure cancer fundraiser) and they pulled off a 1st place win!!!
I have nothing but amazing things to say about EER, Gina and her staff. They saved Mocha and taught my daughter so many things that she can use in her future.
I recommend EER to anyone having issues with their horses. Sometimes it takes more than pills and stall rest. Sometimes you have to do things a little different.
Thank you EER for saving Mocha!!
”
Amy Garcia, Mother of rider Delaney Garcia
Equine Osteopathy & Bodywork
Equine Osteopathy
What is equine osteopathic articular balancing?
Equine osteopathic articular balancing is an approach to horse care through bodywork that focuses on the parietal system, visceral system and the craniosacral system and their impact on overall health and performance. Practitioners use hands-on techniques to assess and various conditions, aiming to restore balance and mobility in horses. This therapy can help address issues such as pain, stiffness, and range of motion, promoting both emotional and physical health and happiness for the horse. By considering the horse as a whole, equine osteopathic articular balancing supports both physical well and optimal performance.
How we work
Our certified therapist will visit you and your horse or have you haul-in to our facility. We will start by making an assessment of your horse’s health. We will discuss any issues or changes in your horses behavior, symptoms and any signs of discomfort. We will then look at your horse’s movement at different gaits and patterns. At this time we will discuss a care plan and care plan with you.
The number of sessions required will depend on our findings at the initial assessment, whether or not there has been an injury, the extent of any injury and whether the current condition is a result of an acute or chronic condition. A complex injury may require 3 to 4 ongoing sessions. A more simple problem may be treated in one session together with a rest period or exercise program.
The care plan undertaken by us are complementary to those of a vet, farrier or dentist and this type of complementary care can often prove extremely effective in conjunction with other therapies and treatments. You should always consult your vet and request an accurate diagnosis prior to having your horse treated by another practitioner. We are always happy to work with your vet, farrier, dentist, saddler or other professionals to get the best results.
Conditions treated
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Reduced performance
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Back or spinal problems
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Arthritis
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Spinal and other joint dysfunction
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Gait problems
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Halting and loss of collection
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Short strides
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Scoliosis patterns
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Vertebral lesions and sacral imbalance
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Bridle sensitivity
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Difficulty with shoeing
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Problems with head carriage, or head tossing
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Tracking up or cross-canter problems, pulling uphill or rushing downhill
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Stiffness in particular areas or stiffness in older horses
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Maintaining mobility in competition horses
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Problems with gait
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Reluctance to trot or canter
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Bucking, bolting, rearing, kicking or refusing to jump
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Back disorders
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Injuries resulting from falls during training
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Tendon injury or ligament overstrain
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Reducing stress on the muscles and joints
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Uneven muscle tone and muscle bulk
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Muscle imbalances and spasm
Other Techniques in Equine Bodywork
Equine bodywork encompasses a variety of techniques designed to maintain and improve a horse's well-being. Practitioners at Elite Equine Rehab continue to use these methods not only to enhance physical wellness but also to support emotional balance in horses, a testament to their holistic approach in equine care
One of the most recognized techniques is Equine Massage Therapy. This involves the manipulation of the horse's muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension, increase circulation, and promote relaxation. Skilled therapists may use various massage styles and techniques techniques, for relaxation and sports massage to support athletic performance.
Myofascial Release is another key modality. Through this technique, therapists address the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, known as fascia. The goal is to release restrictions that limit movement, thereby improving flexibility and range of motion. This is essential for horses that perform repetitive movements, which can lead to tightness and imbalances in the fascial system.
The benefit of Acupressure lies in its ability to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. By applying pressure to specific trigger points on the horse's body, practitioners aim to release adhesions and restore the balance of energy and mobility, which can support overall health and pain relief.
Chiropractic Adjustments, performed by DVM Melanie Robinson with Equine Health Services, focus on the alignment of the spine and joints. Through proper adjustment, they ensure that the nervous system functions optimally, which is critical for maintaining the horse’s coordination, mobility, and pain management.
Our Equine bodywork practitioners and veterinarians also highlight the importance of Stretching Exercises as part of equine bodywork. Regular stretching helps to prevent injuries and aids in muscle recovery after exercise. It's particularly useful for sport horses or older horses who need support to maintain their flexibility.
LASER therapy. As light goes from one energy level, to a lower energy level, a photon is released. The released photon, from light within the specific weave lengths of 450nm, 660nm and 850nm are then absorbed by the mitochondria. The mitochondria is the power plant of the cells, it's here the ATP (energy) is produced. The photon stimulates the energy being metabolized, in the muscles and the bones, along with the epidermis. The LED treatment promotes accelerated normal healing and regeneration of the tissue. But will not produce overgrowth or neoplastic transformation in the tissue. Thereby shortening the duration of recovery after an injury, by promotion accelerated healing in the tissue, reducing pain and inflammation, addressing physiological imbalances and enhancing the horse's emotional well-being.
The inclusion of these techniques, and many more, into a horse care program ensures that equine athletes and companions alike receive the care they need to thrive. Highly trained by practitioners are equipped with an array of tools to support the health and performance of these magnificent animals.
As we continue to be educated, we are adding additional services and modalities to better serve your equine companion.
We are now booking for our NEW Chromo/Halo therapy shed. Chromotherapy is the application of visible light, the color spectrum, to aid in tissue regeneration and healing by influencing the frequencies and vibrations in the body. Halo therapy is a holistic and drug-free therapeutic method to improve respiration, reduce inflammation in the lungs, increase lung capacity, and improve cardiovascular function. We have combined these two non-invasive holistic modalities to be offered simultaneously to both improve and enhance cardiovascular performance and promote healing by addressing the functions of the body as a whole from the inside out.
Nervous System Regulation
For the anxious horse that is always on-edge . Great for horses who've experienced past physical or emotional trauma.
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Help to identify and ease triggers
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Use of horse-safe essential oils to aid in relaxation
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Optional add-on: anxiety/tension coaching to give you tools to help ground your horse in stressful situations that come up in-between sessions
Injury Recovery
Shorten recovery time once your vet has cleared your horse for bodywork.
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Great addition to any rehab program
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Help maintain muscle tone to prevent further issues arising from stall rest
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Increase circulation and lymphatic drainage when your horse is confined to a stall for long periods of time
Senior Care
Help maintain quality of life and keep your senior horse comfortable.
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Reduce pain naturally, so less medication is required
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Recommend monthly sessions to increase circulation, maintain muscle tone, and joint heath
Halotherapy with Chromotherapy
Also known as dry salt therapy, halo therapy is applied in an enclosed space by a halo generator where tiny salt particles are released into the air and inhaled into the respiratory system. Using the salt’s natural anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, the deep pockets of the lungs called alveoli are cleansed through negative ionization, release of toxins, breaking up mucus, and resulting in open airways with an increase ease of breath. For the athletically-inclined individual, halo therapy provides a range of benefits from increased lung capacity, increased ease of breath through nasal breathing, and improved cardiovascular function allowing increased athleticism with a reduction of fatigue and injury
ChromoTherapy
While the exact underlying mechanism of chromotherapy remains somewhat elusive, its effects are undeniably discernible. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that chromotherapy has physiological impacts on horses, extending beyond mere placebo effects.
Research reveals that chromotherapy can substantially reduce stress indicators, such as cortisol levels, in horses. Reduced stress is always advantageous, positioning chromotherapy not only as a solution for health concerns but also as a means to enhance a horse’s general sense of well-being
For horses, optimized lighting impacts coat condition, muscle development, immunity, fertility, behavior and mood. It is hard to believe that a lighting system can impact so many aspects of a horse’s health and welfare. Dr. Barbara Anne Murphy, Founder & CSO at Equilume.
MPS Scar Release Therapy
MPS Therapy is the application of the Dolphin Neurostim to therapeutically integrative protocols. MPS applies brief, concentrated DC microcurrent impulses to specific treatment points to relax muscles, calm the nervous system and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. When MPS is applied to pathology influencing all three systems — nervous, muscular and endocrine — making MPS therapy effective for treating many chronic and acute soft-tissue pain conditions.
Cutting Edge LASER Therapy
PEMF with MagnaWave
LASER Therapy
PEMF
We use LASER therapy regularly to treat muscle injury or soreness, tendon and ligament injuries, and wounds. Lasers are grouped by wavelength, output power, and emittance mode, ranging from Class I to Class IV. In general, light treatment increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage and triggers cell processes that promote healing. Recent study results are confirming laser therapy significantly improves short- and long-term healing of wound, tendon and ligament lesions, creating an exciting option for treating these soft tissue injuries.
Equine Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate cells and promote natural cellular regeneration and vigor in horses. It is used to treat a variety of conditions in horses, including hoof and joint issues, tendon and ligament injuries, sore backs, inflammation, gastric ulcers, laminitis, stone bruises, and more.
PEMF therapy for horses accelerates healing and quick recovery from injuries, as well as faster recovery after a long day of work or a hard race. It’s used to heal bone fractures and repair cracked hooves. Regular use of electromagnetic therapy can improve recovery time for horses by as much as 70%.
We also use the Centurion Therapulse Blanket, which is unique in its ability to treat the entire body of the horse in one session. The blanket contains 10 coils placed strategically along its length in order to treat the horse as efficiently as possible.
Cold Compression
E-Stim
Game Ready combines cold and compression therapy to prevent and remove any active swelling when it occurs. It minimizes damage following injury and helps equine athletes heal faster during rehabilitation. The cold has a local anesthetic effect that can significantly reduce pain and inhibit reflexive muscle spasms in the horse. Early use of cold therapy can reduce primary bleeding through vasoconstriction and vasodilation, both of which inhibit swelling. The reduced tissue temperature will lower the metabolic rate of both the involved and uninjured cells, decreasing their demand for oxygen.
Simultaneously with cold therapy, Game Ready uses active and adjustable compression to eliminate swelling. Compression causes the horse’s muscles to contract and relax to push fluids and edema through the lymphatic drainage system. In addition, compression drives the cold therapy deeper into the tissues for longer lasting effects.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) uses specific electrical impulses to activate muscle groups. The activation of muscle works by boosting strength, reducing the negative effects of being laid-up, and improving range of motion. NMES treatments reduce muscle spasms and pain, while also increasing blood flow to the muscle.
NMES is applied with small electrode pads that are placed over the target muscles. A compact control unit (usually smaller than a cell phone) is used to adjust the waveform, strength of impulse, and time of the treatment.
Shockwave
EquiVibe Plate
Shockwave
Vibration Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an emerging new technology for treating musculoskeletal problems, soft tissue injuries and bone injuries in horses. ESWT is non-invasive, used to stimulate healing to return horses to a level of fully sound, useful activity without recurrence of disease.
The machine generates high-intensity acoustic waves, which pulse to a localized site within the injured tissue. to cause localized microtrauma that stimulates the bodies natural healing processes. The shock waves are believed to stimulate angiogenesis / neovascularization (new blood vessels) and neurogenesis (new nerve cells). The microtrauma increases local circulation and enhances breakdown of calcifications (calcium build-up).
Outside of conditioning soft tissues and developing muscles, which leads to increased strength and equine bone density, one of the immediate effects of WBV (whole body vibration) on the EquiVibe platform is improved lymphatic and blood circulation.
Improved circulation is of significant benefit to the equine athlete, because increased blood flow improves oxygenation of the tissues, supporting the removal of toxins and metabolic waste, which boosts the immune system and enhances the body’s natural ability to stay healthy and heal itself drug free, which translates into less illness, soreness and especially – injury prevention.
Therapeutic Massage
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Equine massage therapy is a form of bodywork designed explicitly for horses. It involves the manipulation of the soft tissues of the horse’s body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, through various techniques to promote relaxation, relieve pain and tension, and improve overall well-being.
Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to treat horses. According to an article in Equine Wellness Magazine, each horse embodies common physical and behavioral characteristics of the Five Elements of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. By understanding how Five Elements and their patterns relate to your horse, you can learn how to keep your horse healthy and happy on a deep, lasting level of wellness. We work closely with Dr. Melanie Robinson, DVM with Equine Health Services to provide these services on a case-by-case basis.
Kinesiology Taping
Bodywork
"KT Taping" method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, EquiTape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric equine, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. The EquiTape Taping Method was specifically developed for horses with a uniquely patterned, heat activated adhesive. This is a therapeutic taping technique not only offering your horse the support they are looking for, but also rehabilitating the affected condition as well. By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, EquiTape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.
Bodywork is a gentle, non-invasive, complementary therapy that uses soft touch to address structural, physiological, behavioral and emotional issues to optimize performance. Bodywork includes body balancing techniques, physical touch and energy work that target the musculoskeletal system to address asymmetries of the equine body – specifically, soft tissue, nervous system and fascia.
Scar Release Therapy
Often, scars result in a tightening of the surrounding tissue that can restrict movement or function in the body. These restrictions not only affect the joint, limb or surrounding area, but they can affect the underlying organs, too. This is because scar tissue has the potential to spread in any direction, including internally, throughout the body. Fortunately, releasing the scar can yield powerful results, which can improve mobility, diminish complications and decrease pain often associated with deep scars.
MPS (Microcurrent Point Stimulation) is the method used to release scars and is especially effective in treating large, deep, painful scars. The term ‘release’ refers to the releasing or relaxing of contracted and tightened tissue. Coupled with manual release work (a specialized type of massage), MPS Scar/Adhesion Release Therapy significantly reduces the restrictions of scar tissue.
Type of Scars
There are different types of scars. The type of scar that forms depends on the age of the person, skin type, skin condition, heredity and the severity of the wound. Some of the most common types are:
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Hypertrophic scars (raised and often red)
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Keloidal scars (much like hypertrophic, but spread far beyond the boundaries of the original injury)
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Atrophic scars (these leave depressions in the skin)
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Contracture scars (flat, tight scars that constrict movement, often caused by burns)
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Acne scars (pitting caused by the stretching of pores)
In general, this treatment is completely painless. The use of the microcurrent probes, on the tissue surrounding the scar, creates a healing, inflammatory response. Dead cells and scar tissue are broken down by the body; circulation is increased to the area; and the lymphatic system excretes the dead cells. You will see visible changes in the appearance of the scar and gradually will notice a reduction in the tightness and restriction felt at the site of the scar. The duration of treatment will depend on how long you’ve had the scar, how deep it is, and the severity of any pain you may be having. There is no expiration date on scar release. MPS has helped a Vietnam veteran retain the use of his leg, some forty years after his multiple gunshot injury. Equally, burns and scarring from childhood have been successfully released, with accompanying beneficial results, several decades after the time of the injury.
Since the body’s fascial system is interconnected, a restriction or adhesion in one area will often affect other areas and result in compensation patterns and pain. When a scar has been released there is no longer a restriction in the flow of energy, blood circulation and lymph drainage. The body can then complete the healing process.
Whether from injury or surgery, scar tissue can been significantly improved and softened and circulation and function can be greatly improved with MPS Scar/Adhesion Release Therapy.
Ultrasound
Acupuncture
Contact Us
1670 Spring Valley Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
719-428-0104