Q. What therapy is best for muscle spasm?
A. Simple techniques such as stretching and ice massage can break the self-perpetuating pain-spasm-pain cycle. The more technical modalities of electrical stimulation, laser acupuncture, or trigger point acupressure also disrupt this debilitating cycle. (From The New Equine Sports Therapy, by Mimi Porter)

Q. What therapy is best for muscle weakness?
A. Muscle weakness is a result of the body's natural protection mechanism of a painful body part. This natural protection, referred to as an inhibitory loop, inhibits and reduces the amount of muscle force and range of motion available to that body part. Eventually, the muscle fibers atrophy and lose the ability to contract. Therapeutic ultrasound and high-frequency electrical stimulation are effective in counteracting this inhibitory loop, allowing greater range of motion and contractile power. (From The New Equine Sports Therapy, by Mimi Porter)

Q. What is a trigger point?
A. Basically, a trigger point is a small nodule of degenerated muscle tissue that can develop after an injury, muscle spasm, or chronic muscle tension. These nodules are highly sensitive to pressure. (From The New Equine Sports Therapy, by Mimi Porter)

Q. What therapy is best to treat painful trigger points?
A. Therapeutic laser or photon therapy can deactivate these points and provide long-lasting pain relief. (From The New Equine Sports Therapy, by Mimi Porter)

Q. What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
A. Both acupressure and acupuncture are forms of ancient Oriental healing arts that manipulate life energy, or Chi, in order to ease muscle pain, increase circulation, and treat a wide range of conditions by releasing blockages and bringing Chi energy into balance. Acupressure is a technique of applied pressure to specific points on the body. Acupuncture uses very thin needles inserted into these points to manipulate Chi energy. (From Equine Acupressure, A Working Manual by Nancy Zidonis, M. Soderberg, and A. Snow)

Q. What is an acupressure point, and how can I locate them on my horse?
A. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure points, or acupoints, are specific places located along meridians, or energy pathways, of the body. Life energy can be manipulated at these acupoints by appropriate stimulation, to clear blockages and bring the body into balance. Acupoints are found in small depressions between muscles and bones, and around joints. A meridian chart is necessary in order to learn point location. (From Equine Acupressure, A Working Manual, by Nancy Zidonis, M. Soderberg, and A. Snow)

Q. What is cryotherapy?
A. Cryotherapy is the therapeutic use of cold to treat an acute injury, inhibiting inflammation, and initially causing vasoconstriction that reduces blood volume and hemorrhage. It is also an excellent modality for pain relief by slowing the conduction velocity of sensory nerves. (From The New Equine Sports Therapy, by Mimi Porter)

Q. Is there any chance that my horse can get shocked from therapeutic electrical stimulation?
A. Today's electrical modalities are carefully calibrated and deliver a low-voltage stimulation that is comfortable and usually soothing. Of course you will need to follow safety precautions necessary for any electrical equipment used in a stable or barn environment. It is also very important that you read and follow all safety precautions listed in the manual for the electrical modality you are planning to use. For your horse's comfort, be sure that you begin the treatment session at the lowest setting, and gradually increase the current setting to the therapeutic level appropriate for your horse and the treatment you are providing.