08/04/2022
The Advantages of Compression Therapy During Spring and Summer Months in Equines
Using compression treatments during the spring and summer are proving to be much more effective in equines due to increased movement of horses in small fields and paddocks.
Traditionally we have counted one hour of compression as being one hour of active treatment in CPL when stabled. However, due to the increased pulsation of the horse taking more steps in compression it has been found to be ~80% more effective over the same time period.
This greatly improves the symptoms of CPL in time for winter stabling which makes management during the winter months much easier and more comfortable for the horse. This has the added effect of improving skin and tissue quality, reducing the complications of skin infection and mite infestation and improving outcomes.
If your horse is brought into small paddocks to restrict access to spring grass, and those paddocks are fairly level and well drained, then they can add up hours in compression during the daytimes or during night-time (if daytimes become too warm).
Counting up the number of hours in compression using the hourglass analogy, it means that you can get your credits in a little faster for the year.
Additionally, for horses susceptible to laminitis, an added bonus of compression through the spring months is that it supports drainage of the lower limb and decreases the inflammatory drivers that occur with the disease.
The Double-wraps will cope with a little rainfall, as the filaments inside the fabric dry out quickly, however those horses with deep skin folds need to be mindful not to let these areas get damp as they can get prone to infection. Likewise, during very hot spells, compression may need to be removed, as legs should not be allowed to get sweaty.
Treatment during the spring and summer months greatly improves the treatment/compression ratio and outcomes for the horse.
Equilymph are running a Spring 2022 instalment programme, helping spread the cost of payment over 6 months. Uni-wrap compression boots are also available to help support laminitics during spring months. Email [email protected] for more details.