Equine Cold Therapy

Horse owners and trainers have long known the value of cold therapy. Cold therapy is especially helpful in reducing inflammation and controlling pain.

In response to injury, tissues release a variety of chemicals and vasoactive substances (cytokins, prostaglandins, leukotines) that produce a cascade effect of reactions, ultimately resulting in localized swelling, heat and pain.

Applying cold therapy to a tissue injury, limits the inflammatory response by causing the blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction). This limits the blood flow to the injured site, moderating the release of the vasoactive substances and thus minimizes the pain and swelling in the afflicted area.

Cold Therapy to Relieve Pain

Applying cold therapy after an acute injury helps to ease pain. Cold slows the conduction rate of sensory receptors; therefore fewer numbers of pain messages are received and processed by the brain.

Cold Therapy to Control Swelling

After a tissue injury, there is an immediate chemical reaction at the cellular level. This reaction releases prostaglandins and histamines in the injured area. Damaged capillaries “leak” cellular waste (water, dissolved electrolytes and proteins) into the surrounding tissue.

The body sends leukocytes or scavenger cells into the area to remove damaged tissue or to kill bacteria that may be present. Once this process starts, significant amounts of fluid build in intercellular spaces causing “edema,” or swelling.

Compression Therapy to Control Swelling

Applying compression to a tissue injury also limits the inflammatory response and minimizes the swelling in the afflicted area. Horse owners, trainers and vets routinely wrap an injury to minimize the pooling of cellular waste and support the damaged tissue.

Combining Cold Therapy and Compression Therapy

Cold Compression Therapy can be achieved easily and economically by using a Cold Compression Wrap. The re-usable wrap is applied frozen and positioned by Velcro fasteners. The wrap will maintain its ice temperature for 15-20 minutes and then gradually return to the skin temperature of the horse. During that time the compression drives the cold deep into the injured soft tissue; much deeper than just ice bathing or hosing. The internal inflammation is significantly reduced within 20 minutes of applying the wrap. The compression wrap is already in place so no further wrapping is necessary. Leaving the wrap on for a few hours will continue to reduce and hold back swelling.

Cold Compression Wraps are sold in pairs so they can be changed several times a day for a recent or acute injury. Thereafter, a wrap can be applied after a strenuous workout or any time swelling appears or an area feels hot.