The equestrian community is remarkably open to embracing innovative methods when it comes to caring for our horses. Whether it’s cutting-edge therapies, advanced nutrition, or biomechanical analysis, horse owners and trainers are eager to explore methods that enhance their equine athletes’ well-being.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
The Power of Whole Body Cryotherapy in Modern Equine Care
But sometimes, simplicity is best. Whole Body Cryotherapy exemplifies this—it’s a straightforward yet powerful way to ensure horses stay sound, comfortable, and healthy. With its ancient origins, cryotherapy proves that sometimes the oldest methods are the most effective, standing the test of time as old as medicine itself.
Maximizing Equine Recovery
The Benefits of whole body cryotherapy
By incorporating cryotherapy into a training regimen, equine athletes may experience faster recovery times, reduced muscle soreness, and improved overall performance.
During training, it is common for muscles to experience microtears or damage at the cellular level. While this is a natural part of the muscle-building process, excessive damage can lead to soreness, inflammation, and longer recovery times.
Improvements are often noticeable after two to three sessions, although consistent participation in scheduled whole-body cryotherapy sessions allows for the gradual realization of long-term benefits as the equine body initiates its healing and self-regulation processes. Ensuring regularity in sessions effectively aids in improved performance and sustained recovery for equine athletes.
MAXIMIZING EQUINE RECOVERY
Cryotherapy Benefits
BEFORE TRAINING
- Promotes injury prevention
- Allows for more intense and higher volume training
- Improves angle of motion
- Increases blood flow and joint function
- Improves training/competition readiness through endorphin release
AFTER COMPETITIONS
- Accelerates muscle recovery
- Improves blood circulation and detoxification
- Boosts lymphatic drainage for better healing
- Targets and reduces inflammation and swelling
POST-INJURY RECOVERY
- Assists with pain management to alleviate discomfort
- Reduces swelling and inflammation to help prevent further tissue damage, aiding in overall injury management
- Speeds up recovery, allowing for a quicker return to activity
Supporting Equine Health
How Cryotherapy Complements Medical Treatments
Cryotherapy can be utilized as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medical treatments for various equine conditions. While it may not replace conventional medical therapies, cryotherapy can provide additional benefits and support the healing process for equines.
Cryotherapy can be used as an alternative or supplement to pain medication for managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, laminitis, and soft tissue injuries. The escalating use of anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics in equine medicine has led to increased systemic absorption and breakdown of these medications, which can put strain on the liver and kidneys. Cryotherapy can be a safe and effective alternative to pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, providing a natural and drug-free option for pain relief.
Cryotherapy can be integrated with equine physical therapy to promote muscle recovery, alleviate soreness, and enhance overall mobility in horses. By incorporating cryotherapy into an equine rehabilitation program, horses may experience accelerated recovery periods and enhanced functional outcomes.
Cryotherapy can help with recovery from surgery as cold is often used to reduce pain and inflammation. During healing, red and white blood cells are needed and desired at the injury site to fight infection and promote regeneration. Fluids can get trapped around the injury, causing pressure, stagnation, and pain. When cryotherapy is utilized, fluids can be decreased and redistributed to allow better circulation and fresh blood to flush out toxins, promoting rapid healing naturally. Cryotherapy also increases the amplitude of movement and mobility, which is beneficial post-surgery and for horse rehabilitation.
Studies conducted on horses with laminitis found that cryotherapy reduced the severity of acute laminitis. They discovered that vasoconstriction (preventing the delivery of hematogenous trigger factors) and hypometabolism (reduction in lamellar MMP activity) were the primary therapeutic mechanisms.
Cryotherapy can be utilized as a complementary treatment for managing equine anhidrosis. By exposing the horse to extreme cold temperatures, cryotherapy can stimulate sweating and improve heat dissipation, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve the horse’s comfort and well-being.