What is Equine Cryotherapy?
ANTI-INFLAMMATION ∙ FAST PAIN RELIEF ∙ MUSCLE RELAXANT ∙ INCREASE LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION
Cryotherapy (often referred to as cold therapy) is a non-invasive treatment that uses extreme cold to create a therapeutic effect. Traditional methods for horses are cold hosing, using ice buckets, ice boots, cold water boots and cold packs.
However, advancements in cold therapy have allowed for more practical and effective methods to be developed such as the use of cold-water treadmills, chambers and INSTANTCRYO™.
The handheld device INSTANTCRYO™ allows for treatments to be targeted to specific areas of the body. It uses a combination of extreme cold temperature and high pressure to achieve the full effects of cryotherapy that traditional methods can’t.
How does INSTANTCRYO™ Cryotherapy work?
INSTANTCRYO™ Thermal Imagining Camera
The device comes with a High Definition 320x240 Pixel Thermal Imaging Camera which can be used to:
- Identify areas which are highly inflamed so you can accurately target the right parts of the injury.
- Enables to visibly see the reduction in the temperature of the injury during and after treatments.
FAQs
Do you sell the device as well as offer cryotherapy sessions?
When I buy the device, do you show me how to use it?
If you buy a device you receive training, as well as documentation stating that you have been trained to use the device.
I will also always be available to you should any questions arise.
I would like to book a few cryotherapy sessions. Where are you based and how far do you travel?
I am based in Miragaia, Portugal. If you book a few sessions I am prepared to travel 50km back and forth. I find that its best to treat horses and humans daily if they have an acute injury, if you or your horse have chronic injuries weekly treatments are beneficial as swelling and heat are not at their worst.
How many sessions would I or my horse need?
That would depend on the injury. I personally find that acute new injuries are best treated daily - we want to curb the heat and inflammation so that the injury does not become chronic.
If you or your horse have just had surgery, then definitely daily.
If you or your horse have an infection, daily treatment advised because the CO2 used in the device will starve bacteria of oxygen, and hence reduce infection.
If it’s more of a chronic injury, then weekly sessions are preferable.
Often the Cryo offers pain relief after one treatment, but it depends completely on the injury. Or the source of your or your horse's pain.
I am always available - you are welcome to chat to me before even starting. I might be able to estimate the frequency and amounts if I know the problem we are addressing.
If your horse needs numerous treatments, or treatments on an ongoing basis, I am also always prepared to workout packages that save.
Addressing compensation:
What I have found the most beneficial part of the Cryo is that it addresses compensation - especially in horses.
Often the injury starts a snowball effect ‘sound wise’.
We want to address the pain and eliminate compensation.
My horse is injured, can I send you a photo of the injury before I book a session?
You are absolutely welcome to send me a picture beforehand. It helps me, that way I can plan your horse's treatment.
Please visit my contact page for more information.
I am injured, can I send you a photo of the injury before I book a session?
If you are injured you are absolutely welcome to send me a picture. It only benefits both of us. Although it is not necessary. Please visit my contact page for more information.
Does it hurt?
Not at all. It is intensely cold*, to some that might come as a shock but I find that both horse and human settle very quickly once they realise it is not painful.
* it comes out at -75’C at 50 bars of pressure, so its really cold and feels like quite a bit of pressure. Pressure can be controlled by administrator depending on distance. It is pain-free, but very cold.