HORSE AND RIDER REHAB AND PERFORMANCE

Equine Chiropractic

Mobile equine practice

With a strong background in the equine industry, we can relate to your training and competition goals.  Learn more

Human Chiropractic

MOBILE or in-clinic

We understand the demands of equestrian sport and helps riders to manage pain and improve performance. Learn more

Equine Biomechanics and Rehab

individual sessions, Workshops and CLINICS

Compassionate and evidence-based support in rehabilitating your horse and enhancing their performance. Learn more

Rider Biomechanics

individual sessions, Workshops and CLINICS

Explore human and equine anatomy and biomechanics to become more effective in your riding and training. Learn more

Guide to Equine Groundwork
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health considerations

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On Course Chiropractic is committed to providing quality care while minimizing the risk of disease transmission. Measures taken to ensure the safety of you and your horse include:

  • Disinfection of equipment between barns

  • Frequent hand hygiene and the availability of sanitizer

  • Changing of outerwear between facilities

What you can do:

  • Cancel free of charge if you are feeling unwell, if your horse is sick or if there is a chance your horse has been in contact with sick horses

  • Let us know if there is a known or suspected case of infectious disease at your facility

  • Have an open area available for your horse during treatment

 
 

EQUINE CHIROPRACTIC

THOROUGH, GENTLE, INDIVIDUALISED CARE

Dr Crawford spends time getting to know you and your horse. With a strong background in the equine industry, she can relate to your goals. She uses a variety of therapies and rehabilitation principles to ensure your horse is comfortable, strong and balanced so that they are able to perform their best.

Equine Chiropractic Treatment

initital assessment $215*

subsequent visit $150*

*Prices based on 3 or more horses at one location, otherwise $10-$20 travel fee applies. Prices include HST.

A comprehensive assessment is performed on every horse prior to treatment to form a complete picture of your horse’s health. This includes:

  • A detailed health history

  • Gait analysis: Usually on the lunge or in-hand. A brief under saddle assessment may be included in an assessment or follow up visit if desired

  • Physical examination of the joints and soft tissues of the spine and extremities

  • Saddle fit screen if desired

  • Hoof health screen

Treatment is provided the same day as long as it is not contraindicated.

Treatment may consist of:

  • Manual chiropractic adjustments and/or joint mobilizations

  • Soft tissue release (muscle, fascia, connective tissue)

  • Graston Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

  • Laser Therapy (extra charge).

  • Neuromotor exercises and stretches

  • Rehab exercises are often prescribed based on your horse’s condition and your performance goals.

Graston Therapy

included in chiropractic treatments

Dr Crawford is a certified Graston Technique specialist and an instructor for the Graston Technique - Equine division.

Graston Technique is the gold standard in Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), a well-established and researched treatment method that is used widely among human athletes for injury rehab and performance.

Using a variety of specially designed instruments, Graston is useful in helping to mobilize scar tissue, decrease pain and increase myofascial mobility. Horses find it comfortable and enjoyable.

Please contact us for more information on Graston.

Laser Therapy

per region $25-$35*

*Laser-only appointment may be arranged after an initial assessment (contact us for details)

Theralase® 3B Cool Laser Therapy is offered as a standalone treatment or in addition to a chiropractic appointment for people, horses and dogs.

This safe and powerful 3B laser system can target tissues up to six inches deep. It is used to treat acute and chronic pain, assist in healing injuries and reduce inflammation.

If you would like to book a series of laser treatments, please inquire. A full chiropractic assessment is required prior to the first treatment.

Ongoing Support and Collaboration

Dr Crawford takes the time to educate owners about their horse’s condition, the treatments she is providing, and how to manage the condition between visits.

Your horse receives the best care when all parties involved are on the same page. You will be provided with detailed reports from each visit that can be kept to track progress over time, and be shared with other equine professionals. We are always happy to speak with your vet or other care providers about your horse’s case.

If questions come up after an appointment, we are just an email, phone call or text away.

 
 

EQUESTRIAN CHIROPRATIC

for riders, by a rider

Dr Crawford is here to help you improve your quality of life and reach your performance goals at your location or ours.

She understands the unique demands of equestrian sport and helps riders to manage pain and improve their performance.

Human Chiropractic Treatment

initital assessment $110

subsequent visit $90

* Prices include HST.

In-clinic appointments

Visit our serene clinic space situated within a private equestrian facility central to Hamilton, Cambridge, Puslinch, Dundas, Ancaster, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and Brantford.

We created this space with equestrians in mind and every step of your rehab or performance journey will be catered towards supporting your equestrian goals.

You’ll be greeted by friendly equine faces as you make your way to our treatment space located inside the barn. We ask that if you are coming from another farm that you avoid direct contact with the horses on the property and change your footwear before your visit.

Click here to see where to go when you arrive!

 

mobile appointments

Riders are busy athletes so we make getting the care you need easy by coming to you.

Mobile appointments are offered in conjunction with your horse’s visit or with a ridden biomechanics assessment.

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Aproach to care

Dr Crawford takes the time to understand how your condition is affecting you, and your goals for care. She provides a thorough physical assessment and continually re-assesses your function to monitor progress.

She offers a number of treatment approaches, suited to your preferences and condition.

Joint Adjustments and Mobilizations

Adjusting and mobilizing the joints of the spine and extremities helps to restore normal motion and relieve pain.

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Myofascial Release therapy

Releasing tension in soft tissues helps to restore normal range of motion, relieve pain and allow new movement patterns.

Graston therapy (IASTM)

Dr Crawford is a certified Graston Specialist. Graston is an instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique used to treat a broad variety of soft tissue dysfunction including scar tissue, muscle pain, joint sprains and tendinitis.

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Theralase® 3B Cool Laser Therapy

Safe, powerful 3B laser Theralase® treatments provide acceleration of tissue healing for numerous nerve, muscle and joint conditions. Laser therapy can also help to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

ACtive care

We don’t accept that being an equestrian means you should be stiff and in pain. We want you to have a long, successful and pain-free riding career!

We offer performance-oriented exercise prescription which is key to making lasting improvements in your joint health, performance and overall well being.

collaborative care

Dr Crawford is enthusiastic about collaborating with other health care professionals in order to create the best outcomes for her patients. She is happy to provide updates to other practitioners, advocate for further diagnostics when needed, and refer for other services that may help you in your recovery. She looks forward to being a part of your healthcare team.

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Our Team

 
 

Dr. Stephanie Crawford - Chiropractor

 
 
 

Dr. Stephanie Crawford is a Registered Chiropractor and Certified Animal Chiropractor based in Guelph, Ontario. She owns and operates On Course Chiropractic, which she established in 2016.

Dr. Crawford is a graduate of Trent University where she completed her undergraduate studies and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College where she trained to become a doctor of chiropractic. She completed specialized post-graduate training with the Veterinary Chiropractic Learning Centre to become a Certified Animal Chiropractor and underwent additional testing to gain accreditation with the College of Animal Chiropractors.

She is dedicated to lifelong learning in order to provide the best evidence-informed service to her patients. She is certified in Graston Technique and is a GT-Equine instructor. She is also a certified LASER therapy provider. She has completed several courses in saddle fit assessment and continues to expand her knowledge of biomechanics and rehabilitation with a focus on equine sport.

Steph’s equestrian background includes over twenty years' experience riding, competing and coaching in the English disciplines. She held a working student position with bio-mechanics expert Mary Wanless, worked as a show groom for Olympic level show jumpers, and worked for five years as an equine veterinary assistant in a practice specializing in sport horse medicine. Her passion is to work with horses and riders of all disciplines to improve quality of life and performance.

When she is not treating patients she enjoys riding, staying active in the great outdoors and spending time with her four-legged companions. She and her partner Dan are also avid rock climbers.

 
 
 

Kylie Huybens - Administrator

 
 
 

Kylie Huybens is a 2022 graduate of McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc). She majored in Biology, with a focus on animal physiology, and minored in Anthropology. She is currently pursuing an Engineering Technology graduate diploma in Digital Health. She loves to learn and research, and she hopes to continue furthering her education in the future. 

Kylie’s equestrian background includes over eleven years of riding experience within the hunter and equitation disciplines. Kylie has enjoyed working for several barns including a thoroughbred racing facility and multiple boarding barns. Throughout her undergraduate years, Kylie was an active board, executive, and team member of the Ontario Collegiate Equestrian Association (OCEA). Kylie enjoys bringing along young horses, catch-riding all different kinds of mounts. Kylie rides multiple different young horses a week with a focus on correct development through sound biomechanics.

Kylie has a passion for equine nutrition and biomechanics. She believes it is essential to go the extra mile to ensure you are giving your horses all the tools they need to succeed and optimize their performance. In addition to providing customer support, you may also see her assisting with appointments on the road as a certified LASER provider and chiropractic assistant.

When she is not riding, working, or studying, Kylie loves spending time outdoors, specifically hiking with her boxer dog Baylee! 

 
 
 

Our Vision and Mission

Vision:

To help each patient achieve optimal performance, pain-free function, and excellent quality of life through chiropractic care, education, research, and collaboration.

Mission:

  1. To advocate for the welfare of our patients

  2. To continually pursue the knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide outstanding services that are evidence-informed and effective.

  3. To provide customer service that exceeds existing standards of professionalism, responsiveness, approachability, and accessibility. 

  4. To engage at the community, industry and policy levels to improve access to quality chiropractic and healthcare services for all.

 
 
 
 

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