Image courtesy of Therapy4Horses.

Ben Franklin’s words of wisdom that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is just as true today as it was 300 years ago when he said it.  Although Franklin was most likely referring to the human species when he voiced those wise words, the same can easily be applied to the equine species as well.

Humans and horses have forged a powerful bond dating back thousands of years. From use in the Greek military over 2,000 years ago to the ranches of the burgeoning American Wild West, horses have fulfilled a crucial role in the history of man. Their bodies have evolved to master speed, endurance and strength and today, many of those qualities are exhibited in sport.

Their bodies may be built to run, jump, and support a rider, but training can put incredible stress on the body of a horse.  Common conditions such as suspensory and other ligament and soft tissue injuries are occurring at incredible rates. Kissing spine, SI pain, tying up, navicular and other conditions are common among horses across all sport disciplines.

While all injuries are not preventable, many can be with carefully executed training and conditioning programs. A key team comprised of a trainer, veterinarian, therapist and chiropractor is the first component in prevention. The expertise of this team in conjunction with a rider and owner who are in tune to the body and needs of the horse can make for a very successful injury prevention strategy.

Right on level with the importance of nutrition are laser and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy systems. Both systems use FDA approved, non-pharmaceutical mechanisms to reduce inflammation and pain and accelerate healing by using a specific wavelength of light or pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate the body’s own healing and immune process.

PEMF blankets and wraps are a crucial component of the conditioning regime of top equine athletes around the world. Used prior to competition to warm-up the joints and muscles to prevent injury, or after competition to remove lactic acid, reduce soft tissue inflammation and ease the tension in muscles and joints, these systems are a must-have for overall conditioning and treating injuries.

Laser therapy uses scientifically proven wavelengths of light to jumpstart the body’s cells to churn out ATP, the energy molecule crucial for all cellular function, to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation and accelerate healing. From healing wounds to soft-tissue injuries, laser therapy can target specific areas of the horse’s body to treat a specific injury or strengthen a weak area prior to competition to help prevent further injury.

Peak condition is required for elite performance and that is where RSI Equine, a division of Respond Systems Inc., plays an integral role. Backed by 30 years of experience manufacturing laser and pulsed magnetic field therapy in the USA, RSI Equine’s products have become a critical component for conditioning and have become a therapy of choice for healing injuries.

Visit RSIequine.com for more information on how to not only prevent injury, but to also treat conditions and injuries quickly, safely and effectively to get your horse back into peak condition.