Benefits of Using Heat Therapy
Loosens the fibres of muscles, tendons & ligaments.
Prepares the area for massage treatment.
Decreases pain signals to the horses brain, giving some partial relief from discomfort.
Dilates the blood vessels of the muscles. Increasing oxygen & nutrients to the muscles.
Aids in increasing the elimination of metabolic waste from the muscles.
Heat therapy will decrease stiffness, improve flexibility & improve overall feeling of comfort.
The Thermal Heat Pad
The Theramal Heat Pad dilates the blood vessels of the muscles . This process increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping to heal the damaged tissue and increase the elimination of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste.
Heat stimulates the sensory receptors in the skin, which means that applying heat to any part of the body, on both people and animals, will decrease transmissions of pain signals to the brain and partially relieve discomfort.
Heat therapy will decrease stiffness, improve flexibility and improve overall feeling of comfort.
The Heat Pad is also excellent at aiding relaxation and reducing stress.
The Thermal Wand
The Thermal Wand is a hand-held portable heat device. It comprises of 3 metal fingers. The end of each finger heats up, enabling me to massage them into specific muscles on the horses body.
Fully temperature controlled, with settings from between 36°c and 53°c. There are also two further functions which is a micro vibration & red light (630nm). Both of these functions can be enabled during treatment or turned off.
Application
I will use the heat pad to help loosen muscle fibres or other fibrous tissues prior to treatment. This will allow me to work deeper should this be required.
Average treatment time for heat application is approximately 10 to 20 minutes, this allows sufficient time for the underlying tissues to receive a good supply of nutrient rich blood.
