Ligament / Tendon Strain
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.
Testimonials
See All- World Equestrian Games Reining Gold Medalist
"The Back Pad is part of our daily maintenance for all of our show horses and we have found it to be an invaluable part of our program. With regular use, our horses start out much softer throught their bodies; we have fewer incidents of back soreness and are much happier overall. I love that the unit is so portable and that it is very easy to use. Thank you for this quality product and for your support!
- Chairman - National Veterinarian Physiotherapist Association
I have been taking it myself for some months now and I benefited greatly from it. No more do I suffer with bad colds, etc.
I have also introduced a great number of my race horse clients to Brandes Formula. All have seen the difference. Horses are healthier and therefore recover quicker after racing so can run more often. Brandes Formula is an excellent product that I am happy to endorse.
- "We use the Niagara Equissage pad on the horses every day, they are all much more supple, it is a very important part of their daily healthcare routine."
