Performance & Health Benefits

• Hoof Problems
• Sore Muscles
• Stiff Joints
• Increased Circulation
• Improved Lymphatic Drainage
• Stress / Tension
• Leg Swelling

A ‘TRUE’ SPLINT IN HORSES

Occurs when the interosseous ligament becomes damaged, leading to soft tissue inflammation and lameness.

Heat, pain and swelling can usually be detected in the area between the splint bone and cannon bone. New bone is laid down in this area as inflammation subsides and eventually forms a hard, non-painful lump. The new bone is what is called a splint and once it has healed does not usually cause any further problems.

Direct external trauma to the splint bone itself, such as the striking of the inside forelimb with the opposite leg, results in what is known as a ‘false splint’. A bony lump forms where there has been bruising and damage to the periosteum covering the bone. Fractures of the splint bone can also lead to the formation of a splint.

Splints in horses occur most typically on the inside of the forelimb and can be caused by;

• Poor conformation
• Mineral imbalance in the diet
• Excessive weight of horse or rider
• Work on hard and uneven going
• Unbalanced hooves

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP WITH SPLINTS IN HORSES?

Yes, definitely.

Although use of Niagara Equissage cannot reverse what is going on it can help to more quickly alleviate the inflammation and swelling thus helping to address the evident pain and heat. Although conventional veterinary treatment comprises of box rest and the giving of pain-relieving drugs, massaging of the affected area is also recommended to help reduce the size of the resulting splint. It is therefore ideal to apply the Niagara Equissage Hand Unit, with the rubber cap on for comfort.

Obviously with any condition that restricts movement other parts of the body can become affected by default e.g additional strain on supporting legs and tightening of muscles. The massaging effect of Niagara Equissage will keep muscular tensions at bay so everything else remains working as it should do; this is particularly important with regard to the muscles of the back. The restricted movement also has negative effects on the lymphatic system which relies on muscular movement in order to function properly. The vibratory massage given by Niagara Equissage activates the muscular contractions necessary for the lymph fluid to travel around the body.

APPLICATION

For splints in horses, use the Back Pad on a setting No.3-No.5 in conjunction with localised use of the Hand Unit (for 10 minutes) to address the inflammation and swelling for 20 minutes day. Additional use of the Hand Unit on its own will provide a valuable further therapy to limit the formation (size) of the splint.

A SORE BACK IN A HORSE

Can be caused by numeroufactors including;

• Deformities of the vertebral column
• Soft tissue injuries
• Fractures
• Muscle and nerve problems
• Other vertebral and articular lesions
• Symptoms of horse sore back
• Dipping
• Flinching or raising the back muscles when pressure is applied
• Stiffness on one rein when being ridden
• Tail carried to one side
• Poor or reduced performance
• Gait abnormalities
• Uneven muscle tone
• Reluctance to jump and engage hind quarters.

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP WITH HORSE SORE BACK?

Yes, definitely.

Using Niagara Equissage can do nothing but good in terms of back related issues whatever the cause. Even where the cause is established as being a deformity, then any therapy which eases, relaxes and tones helps the horse more ably cope. For example in the case of Kissing Spine whether or not surgery has been carried out, the ultimate success of treatment is reliant upon how strong the back muscles are.

In the case of muscular spasms, depending upon its location and if it is detected very early on, then specific, targeted treatment with the Niagara Equissage Hand Unit should be enough to restore the status quo. However, if this does not resolve the situation within 2/3 days, then treatment should be sought from a practitioner, following veterinary advice.

For the spasm that is more deep set, it has to be dissipated by an appropriate practitioner so that healing can take place and muscle regenerated. Once the practitioner has done their job, Niagara Equissage can take over and put everything else back in place.

Thereafter Niagara Equissage can be used to aid the full recovery process by promoting good circulation and continued elimination of toxins. The deep massaging helps to ensure that the muscle fibres remain in their unknotted state as affected by the practitioner ready for a return to exercise. The elevation in bodily temperature that occurs following a 20 minute session remains for several hours, therefore capillaries remain more dilated so therapy is effectively continuing long after Equissage has been removed.

Similarly if the cause proves to be a trapped nerve, then a chiropractor will be required to attend to the consequent subluxation(s). After treatment Niagara Equissage will help restore proper blood flow and revitalise the nerve or nerves that have been trapped. By using Niagara Equissage alone a subluxation cannot be corrected; symptoms may be temporarily eased but the cause will still be there. In instances where nerves such as the sciatic nerve are involved, as with people, this is very painful so a horse probably will not be very happy if an Equissage is applied, sending vibrations along the nerve pathways; wait until a practitioner has treated the horse, then let Niagara Equissage take over.

General sore back can readily be a result of particularly strenuous work or the addition of new exercises into the working programme. Niagara Equissage is well-known for its abilities with regard to easing tension and relaxing tightness in muscles all over the body, not just the back.

APPLICATION

For general horse sore back, use the Back Pad on a No.2-3 setting for 20-30 minutes a day after exercise. Additional use of the Hand Unit around the main sore spot will provide extra relief and well as more targeted therapy.

If a horse is prone to tightness, etc. then use Niagara Equissage prior to exercise for 20 minutes on a No.3-No.4 setting for 10 minutes, turned up to a higher setting (up to No.8) for 10 minutes.

Following therapy from a practitioner, then take their specific advice depending upon exactly what treatment has been effected. As a general guide, bearing in mind that a horse can feel a bit sore after such treatment, then a more gentle massage will be welcome. A 20-30 minute session with the Back Pad set on No.2-No.3 will be of most benefit to aid restorative healing.

If a horse is particularly prone to a sore back then additional targeted use of the Hand Unit is acceptable. Gently apply the Hand Unit along the length of the spine, both directly on the nerve channel and also a couple of inches below the spine (on either side of the back) on a medium to high setting.

THE SYSTEM OF MUSCLES, TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS THAT ALLOW THE HORSE TO ‘LOCK’ ITS LOWER LEG JOINTS WITH LITTLE MUSCULAR EFFORT ARE KNOWN AS THE ‘STAY APPARATUS’.
The horse’s stifle has an additional locking mechanism. The patella can hook itself over the inner trochlear ridge of the femur. This eases the load on the quadriceps muscles considerably. Unlocking the patella requires the combined efforts of the quadriceps, biceps femoris and tensor fasciae latae muscles.

Upward fixation of the patella is a condition where the horse is unable to unlock the stifle and therefore cannot flex the affected leg. This condition is often seen in;

• Young developing horses
• Horses with poor stifle conformation
• Horses that are not in good condition e.g. reduced strength of involved structures.

Locking patella treatment should focus on increasing the muscle mass and strength of the hind limbs e.g. more hill and trotting work. Gentle manipulation carried out by a physiotherapist can also help. In prolonged and severe cases surgical intervention may be necessary (e.g. Medial Patellar Ligament Splitting).

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP HORSES WITH LOCKING PATELLA?

Niagara Equissage can really help to improve this condition; indeed, many owners have reported that Niagara Equissage has helped to successfully cure the problem. This is due to its ability to tone and condition muscles. The therapeutic cycloidal vibrations which reach deep tissue, muscle and bone help to release muscle tension, increase muscle tone and stimulate nerve endings. The action also improves and increases the local blood circulation which in turn also improves the performance of the muscles associated with upward fixation of the locking patella.

APPLICATION

Initially a twice-daily application on a medium to higher setting is the better course of action so as to get to work improving the muscle tone and strength. Thereafter, in conjunction with the horse’s exercise regime, one session each day will suffice – ideally prior to exercise.

TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS ARE DENSE BANDS OF FIBROUS TISSUE COMPOSED MAINLY OF COLLAGEN. TENDONS CONNECT MUSCLE TO BONE, WHILE LIGAMENTS CONNECT BONE TO BONE.

The flexor tendons run down the back of the leg from the knee to the foot and their role is to flex the fetlock and the digit joints. The suspensory ligament lies at the back of the cannon bone, deeper than the flexor tendons, and stretches from the back of the knee to the sesamoid bones in the fetlock. The suspensory ligament provides support for the fetlock, preventing extreme over-extension.

Tendon strain and ligament injuries commonly occur in the lower limbs of horses, particularly amongst those that compete. Tendons and ligaments below the knee are most susceptible to injury. These include;

The superficial digital flexor tendon

The deep digital flexor tendon

The accessory ligaments

The suspensory ligament.

Tendon strain injuries usually result from excessive loading and overstretching, but may also be due to a direct blow to the tendon area.

• Symptoms of tendon strain and ligament injuries
• Swelling
• Pain
• Heat
• Lameness

CAN NIAGARA EQUISSAGE HELP WITH LIGAMENT AND TENDON STRAIN ON HORSES?

Most definitely.

Niagara Equissage is a proven therapeutic tool to aid in the healing of tendon strain and ligament injuries, which is why it is present in the yards of so many racehorse trainers, event, dressage and show-jumping riders.

The deep circulatory massage reaches all parts of the leg resulting increasing local blood and lymphatic circulation, thus reducing inflammation (swelling), easing tired and stretched muscles and aiding mobility of affected joints. Also, the same massaging effect actually tones (and so strengthens) fibres.

APPLICATION

For tendon strain and ligament injuries, use the Leg Boot on the outside of the affected leg (with the rubber cap against the joint if this is the target area). Turn on for a couple of minutes on a low speed and then turn up to at least a medium speed for 5-10 minutes. Ideally treat twice daily until the condition has healed.

Point to Note: The Niagara Equissage Back Pad should also be used as part of the warming up and warming down routines particularly with horses that are more prone to leg problems. This is so that muscles and ligaments are warmed through prior to exercise and then properly relaxed prior to the horse being stabled or turned out.