Introducing Veterinary Acupuncture for equine patients

We are pleased to announce the introduction of veterinary acupuncture as a new service within our equine practice, further broadening the range of evidence-informed treatment options available to support performance, rehabilitation, and long-term musculoskeletal health.

A veterinary-led, science-based approach

Acupuncture is a veterinary-only treatment within our service, delivered exclusively by a qualified veterinary surgeon.

Our approach is grounded in Western veterinary acupuncture principles, focusing on the neurological and physiological effects of needle placement rather than traditional or metaphysical frameworks. Treatment is based on:

• Segmental neurology

• Neurophysiological modulation of pain

• Effects on muscle tone and motor unit recruitment

• Local and systemic influences on circulation and inflammation

Lorna has undertaken formal training with the Western Veterinary Acupuncture Group (WVAG) and is a member of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high clinical and professional standards in this field.

Potential clinical applications in equine practice

Veterinary acupuncture can be incorporated within a structured treatment plan and may be beneficial in a range of clinical scenarios:

1. Pain modulation and musculoskeletal dysfunction

• Back and neck pain

• Sacroiliac region dysfunction

• Myofascial pain and muscle spasm

Acupuncture may support analgesia through central and peripheral mechanisms, often improving comfort and facilitating more effective rehabilitation.

2. Rehabilitation and recovery

• Post-injury or post-surgical cases

• Tendon and ligament rehabilitation (adjunctive support)

• Neuromuscular re-education

By influencing neuromuscular pathways, acupuncture can assist in restoring more normal movement patterns and muscle function.

3. Performance-related issues

• Reduced performance linked to discomfort or dysfunction

• Muscle tightness or asymmetry

• Maintenance in competition horses

In performance horses, acupuncture may be used to optimise comfort, symmetry, and functional movement.

4. Chronic and complex cases

• Long-standing pain conditions

• Cases with compensatory movement patterns

• Horses not fully responding to conventional therapy alone

Acupuncture can provide an additional modality where multifactorial issues require a broader therapeutic approach.

Practical considerations

• Minimally invasive and generally well tolerated

• Sessions are tailored to the individual horse, clinical findings, and stage of work or rehabilitation

• Typically used alongside manual therapies, exercise prescription, and veterinary management

An integrated, outcome-focused modality

Veterinary acupuncture is not used in isolation but as part of a cohesive, multimodal treatment strategy. Its inclusion is guided by clinical reasoning, patient response, and clearly defined therapeutic goals.

Moving forward

The addition of veterinary acupuncture reflects a continued commitment to expanding clinically robust treatment options for equine patients, delivered within a veterinary-led, evidence-based framework.

If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your horse, or how it could be incorporated into an existing management or rehabilitation plan, please get in touch.