Healing from the Inside Out: Equitread's Approach to Equine Bone Bruises
Bone bruises, also known as bone contusions, can be a painful and limiting condition for horses. While they may not be as severe as fractures, they involve damage to the bone's spongy tissue (trabeculae) and the surrounding blood vessels, causing inflammation and discomfort. At Equitread, we offer a unique approach to supporting healing and recovery from bone bruises, utilizing the therapeutic benefits of our water treadmill.
Understanding Equine Bone Bruises
To understand how Equitread can help, let's briefly delve into the science behind bone bruises:
Microtrauma: Bone bruises occur due to impact or repetitive stress that causes micro-fractures and damage to the bone's trabecular network.
Inflammation: This damage triggers an inflammatory response, leading to swelling and pain within the bone.
Blood Vessel Damage: Blood vessels within the bone may rupture, causing bleeding and further contributing to swelling.
Healing Process: The body's natural healing process involves removing damaged tissue, forming new bone, and restoring blood flow. This process can be slow and may lead to prolonged discomfort.
How Equitread Supports Healing
Equitread's water treadmill therapy can play a significant role in supporting the healing process of bone bruises:
Reduced Impact: The buoyancy of the water significantly reduces the weight-bearing load on the injured bone.This allows the horse to exercise without the jarring impact that can exacerbate pain and hinder healing.
Improved Circulation: The hydrostatic pressure of the water gently compresses the tissues, promoting blood flow to the affected area. Increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged bone, aiding in the repair process.
Controlled Exercise: The water treadmill allows for controlled and progressive exercise. This controlled movement can help to:
Prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility.
Strengthen surrounding muscles, which provide support to the injured bone.
Encourage the remodeling and strengthening of the bone structure.
Pain Management: The gentle exercise and warm water can help alleviate pain associated with the bone bruise, improving the horse's comfort and encouraging movement.
Why Equitread Stands Out
Equitread offers a distinct advantage over traditional methods of treating bone bruises:
Minimized Concussion: Unlike land-based exercise, which can place repetitive stress on the injured bone, the water treadmill provides a low-impact environment that minimizes concussion.
Targeted Therapy: Our therapists can customize the water level and treadmill speed to provide precisely the right amount of support and exercise for your horse's individual needs.
Holistic Approach: Equitread's therapy complements veterinary care, working in conjunction with other treatments to optimize healing and recovery.
Partnering with Your Veterinarian
It is crucial to emphasize that Equitread therapy should always be used in conjunction with veterinary care. Your veterinarian will provide a proper diagnosis, determine the severity of the bone bruise, and recommend a comprehensive treatment plan. Equitread can then be incorporated into that plan as a valuable tool to support healing and rehabilitation.
Give Your Horse the Best Chance to Recover
If your horse is diagnosed with a bone bruise, Equitread can be a crucial part of their recovery journey. Contact us today to discuss how our water treadmill therapy can help your equine partner heal and return to optimal soundness.
Important Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in animals. Please consult with a qualified veterinary professional for any animal health concerns or before making any decisions related to your horse's health or treatment.
