Cryotherapy
Whilst no treatment can legitimately make claims to cure everything and everyone, the research and results on humans using Cryotherapy are promising.
In humans, elite athletes are using it for recovery post-exercise and for the treatment of injuries. Cryotherapy is now very popular in the cosmetic industry where it is used to promote collagen, reduce fat, and improve skin quality along with the traditional use for arthritis, inflammation, muscle repair/release, migraines, cramps etc
How can it assist my horse?
- Muscle/tendon/ligament strains, sprains & tears
- Laminitis
- Mudfever/skin conditions
- Knocks & swellings
- Bruising of bone
- Oedemas/hematomas
- Muscle and fascia release
- Increased range of motion
- Improved performance when used pre-exercise
- Speeds up recovery time post-exercise
How many sessions are required?
There is no set mandated number of sessions required.
Research has shown that for acute conditions, it is best if 2-4 sessions are conducted in a week initially.
For maintenance a regular session (determined by the needs of the horse) is highly recommended. Like massage this is like asking how long is a piece of string? It is dependent on a few things such as the work load the horse is undertaking, how the body copes with the work, type of work.
It makes a noise, how will my horse react?
The handheld unit does make a noise. Most horses will react when they first hear it, though they usually settle fairly quickly. The noise is not really any louder than the nozzle spray from the hose, however there is a visible spray.
In order, to make the initial experience an enjoyable occasion, I have taken steps to introduce Cryotherapy to horses so that it is not as confronting for them.
Firstly, I require a handler for the horse. I also have a racing hood with neoprene ears and small blinkers. The idea is that the neoprene ears dull the noise and the blinkers help to hide some of the vapour.