A hands on physio treatment can never be replaced by a product. However, as technology has advanced there are products on the market which will really help to make a difference to your horse between visits.
We all know how nice it feels when us humans have a hot water bottle for sore and tired muscles and a good massage to loosen us up, your horse and dog are no different.
Heat relaxes muscles and also increases blood flow to the area, this can then help to loosen tight muscles, a great way to prep your horse before a ride or use after a ride to relax those muscles which have worked hard.
Heat is a non-invasive, gentle, and generally a well-accepted form of therapy with many associated benefits. However, it is important that heat is delivered at the correct temperature, and for an appropriate amount of time to achieve the desired effects.
If temperatures are not high enough, there is unlikely to be any significant effect to the tissue. If temperatures are too high, or are left in position too long, then tissue damage may occur.
This is why one of the products we recommend is the Equilibrium Heatsense Pad..
The Heatsense Pad has been thoroughly tested to ensure the heat is delivered in accordance with supporting research. A range of sources determined the following necessities for the Massage Pad Heatsense. – Heat is delivered between 40-45 degrees Celsius. – The target temperature is maintained for 15 minutes. – The heat should never exceed 45 degrees Celsius for an extended period of time.
Did you know it has heat sense technology?.. the clue is in the name..
Due to the risks associated with heat, and the narrow target window for therapeutic heat, Equilibrium developed an intelligent monitoring system that is constantly checking the temperature being delivered to the horse. This adjusts accordingly to ensure a repeatable session is experienced each time the pad is used.
This is especially important in a product that is strapped to the horse, that they cannot easily move away from.
As the temperature reaches the target of 42 degrees Celsius power to the heat pads will cut out. As the temperature drops again, power to the heat pads will resume. This process continues to ensure the horse receives 15 minutes at the target temperature.
This monitoring system will also help prevent the pad heating tissue that is already hot, whether that is due to ambient temperatures, or if the horse has just been exercised. The left and right side of the pad also work independently of each other, meaning one side could be receiving heat, even if the other is too warm.
The Heatsense Pad is perfect before and after exercise, at a competition to relax or warm up or for horses on box rest or undergoing rehab.
Plus the heatsense enables you to choose from just heat, just massage or heat and massage together…
The Epiony Pad. Another great way to add some heat ..
This is available in two sizes, one perfect for those arthritic or sore joints such as knees and hocks, the other larger pad to be used for necks and backs. You can use an Epiony Pad alongside your Equilibrium Massage Pad if you already own the pad which is the Heatsenses predecessor..
The Epiony Pad has three heat settings and is ideal for pretty much any muscle area or joint!
The ideal piece of kit for massage and heat, all in a hand held mitt. The Hotspot mitt can be used all over your horses body, when you have finished grooming before you ride, this mitt is ideal to hold on any areas that your horse may feel the benefits of a little pre riding relaxation, perfect for those horses doing rehab or on box rest too, the hand held mitt means some well deserved time spent with your horse, always a good reason to have a thorough check over them too for any lumps and bumps or sore points that you can mention on your next physio appointment.
The Hotspot, like the Heatsense can be used for just massage, heat or massage or just heat settings, the mitt also has alternate massage functions too which makes its a really.. its also perfect to be used on us humans too !