How Does Hydrotherapy Work?

Hydrotherapy may appear to be a complicated therapeutic process, but the basis for the treatment could not be simpler - Sea Water. For years it has been know that horses react to the elements of sea water in a number of ways, which is why we see many horses being trained on beaches. While the sand will obviously help build up the horses stamina, the sea "air" also has a beneficial effect on the well being of the horse. So how does it work?

Cold water treatment has for many years been a major source of treatment for horse strains and injuries. The cold water has a number of effects on an injury, but before appreciating the full effects we need to understand what happens with an injury. When an injury occurs, there are three stages of natural recovery, Pain, Heat and Swelling. The pain ensures that the effected area will not be over extended, the heat is a result of blood cells rushing to fight the potential infection and the swelling (excess fluid) helps to isolate the injury.

While a horse's natural defences are efficient at fighting infection and injury, there is the chance of too much fluid build up, which can cause secondary infections / injuries. The best way to ensure there is no fluid build-up is to cool down the infected area, and use the horses natural blood flow system to carry away any potentially harmful swelling.

This is best done by using sea water (brine) which has a significant impact, with the cold water reducing the swelling, and allowing the excess fluid to escape. The salty elements act as a kind of anaesthetic which numbs the troubled area, thereby reducing pain and distress. All in all this is a great stimulant to assist in recovery.

There are a number of Equine "Spas" available which mimic the actions of sea water, using "brine" water circulated around the horses body at a controlled temperature. These systems are more practical for todays horse owner, and are becoming ever more popular in the veterinary market.

Bringing the seaside inland.............