Regular sessions in cold saltwater help to strengthen the tendons and ligaments, making them more resilient to strain and reducing the risk of future injuries. The therapeutic effects of the treatment also enhance blood circulation, ensuring optimal oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles, tendons, and joints.
This increased blood flow promotes tissue health and elasticity, minimizing the likelihood of overuse injuries. As a non-invasive and drug-free technique, cold salt hydrotherapy provides a natural and safe means for horse owners and trainers to support their equine companions in both rehabilitation and injury prevention.
The elevated concentration of salt replicates the properties of seawater, resulting in fluid extraction that diminishes swelling and facilitates the healing process. In just 10 minutes of immersion in the intensely salt-concentrated water chilled to 2 degrees Celsius, the blood vessels contract.
As the leg gradually warms up, the vessels expand, facilitating the circulation of highly oxygenated blood to the lower extremities. As a result, the 10-minute treatment effectively extends its benefits over a period of up to 3 hours. This drug-free therapy, carried out in extremely cold temperatures, effectively mitigates heat, pain, and inflammation.
The solution used is cooled to a temperature of 2°C to effectively alleviate heat and inflammation. At this specific temperature, the solution offers analgesic properties for managing pain and also prevents the degradation of tendon enzymes following an injury.
The salt solution functions as a hypertonic poultice, effectively reducing heat and promoting natural wound healing. As the concentration of salt in the solution rises, it leads to an increase in water density, subsequently generating higher pressure that aids in the dispersion of fluids and waste products.
The presence of water aeration provides a gentle massage-like sensation to the leg and enhances the amount of dissolved oxygen within the equine spa solution.
The water’s depth corresponds to the pressure applied to the leg, facilitating the dispersal of fluids and waste materials. The adjustable water depth can be modified based on the position and severity of the injury.
When the water temperature decreases, its capacity to hold oxygen increases. Introducing aeration is thought to enhance the natural defence system by promoting increased oxygenation.
Cold water therapy for horses offers a range of advantages in promoting their well-being and performance. From reducing inflammation and swelling to enhancing circulation and aiding in injury prevention, this therapeutic approach provides a natural and effective means of supporting the health and recovery of equine athletes.
Cold salt water therapy can provide several benefits for horses, including reduced inflammation, pain relief, improved circulation, faster recovery, injury prevention, and the rehabilitation of various conditions.
Cold saltwater therapy for horses, also known as hydrotherapy, involves immersing a horse’s limbs or body in a cold saltwater solution. It relies on turbulence, temperature, pressure, and salinity to provide an effective and holistic therapy.
Cold salt hydrotherapy can treat a wide range of conditions, including tendinitis, ligament damage, wounds and cuts, sore shins, wind galls, bag spavins, laminitis, poor hoof growth, joint conditions, general stiffness, and soreness.
There is a high concentration of Epson Salts in the water to act as a natural poultice, pulling inflammation out of the leg.
In cold saltwater therapy for horses, jets are often used to provide additional mechanical stimulation and hydrotherapy effects. This provides a massage-like effect that can increase circulation, stimulate tissue health, and promotes relaxation.
The water is chilled to 2°C.