AFTER EXERCISE
Why use stable wraps after exercise?
The use of compression wraps after exercise, in the human world, is gaining traction, and for good reason. Studies, discussed in scientific literature, show that compression can enhance recovery by supporting circulation, enhancing removal of metabolic waste caused by exercise, reducing swelling, and increasing oxygen delivery to soft tissues which are all proven to boost recovery. Should we consider compression wraps for equine athletes after intense exercise?
The Benefits of Compression
Stable bandages or stable wraps provide light compression and by applying graduated pressure on the tendons, and ligaments, this helps to prevent excessive fluid buildup by supporting the circulation. Strenuous activity will naturally cause inflammation in tendons and ligaments, this inflammation causes more fluid to enter the inflamed tissue and creates the swelling. By using a stable wrap or stable bandage, with its light uniform compression, they encourage the movement of fluid out of the area using the lymphatic system. Using stable wraps after intensive exercise may stimulate recovery after the horses’ legs undergo intense strain.
Circulation and Recovery
Stablechaps apply both light compression and also tap into the power of infrared by creating warmth. A horse leg wrap that can provide both compression and warmth will improve blood flow. After hard exercise or competition, there is a build-up of metabolic waste like lactic acid and whilst horses have a higher tolerance to lactic acid, helping invigorate the circulation by using compression wraps for horses legs, can only be of benefit. Using a horse stable wrap for the legs will encourage better circulation, with the compression and warmth, so allowing for faster recovery.
Reduced Swelling
Swelling in the horses’ legs can happen for any reason, lymphangitis, legs filling from standing in for longer periods, injuries and, inflammation cause by exercise can also lead to swelling. Visible swelling if left unchecked, can lead to stiffness or even injury. It is highly recommended that if you do see visible signs of swelling in the horses’ lower leg, to apply horse leg wraps overnight whilst stabled, to prevent the swelling or stop the swelling getting worse. Stablechaps are the closest to stable bandages at providing light uniform pressure, yet much easier and quicker to apply. These compression therapy wraps for horses will reduce swelling by keeping blood and lymphatic fluid moving efficiently, helping your horse return to peak performance sooner.
Injury Prevention
Horse legs are delicate, don’t we know this by the number of vets bills we incur! Tendons, ligaments and joints can easily become strained by intensive exercise or pratting around in the field. The support provided by horse compression wraps, which can be used whilst stabled overnight, or at competition, may aid in recovery by getting on top of swelling quicker and stave off the build-up to an injury. It is thought that properly wrapping your horse’s legs after events, so there is light even pressure on the lower leg, could make a big difference in their overall leg health. Stablechaps and stable bandages are known to be the best at providing a compressive therapy, as pressure is even across the lower leg.
Easy and Safe to Use
As horse owners we have all tried to use gamgee and stable bandages for leg swelling or injury and know how tedious they are to apply. Modern compression wraps like Stablechaps are designed to be easy and quick to put on. Stablechaps should be strapped on with light pressure, just as you would apply a bandage. Make sure you can easily slip a finger in the top and bottom of the stable wrap once applied. Stablechaps can be used on wet legs as the materials are highly wicking allowing the legs to dry quickly. The 3Dspacer mesh not only is wicking but provides cushioning and breathability ensuring horse’s legs stay cool and comfortable whilst stabled. So after any bout of exercise if the horse will be stabled for any period of time, help the recovery with stablechaps, they do not take a second to apply and why wouldn’t you support your horse in its recovery.
Stablechaps use is recommended, not straight after exercise, but when the horse’s body temperature has reached its resting temperature.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about your horse’s performance and long-term health, consider adding compression wraps to your post-competition and exercise routine. With benefits of compression garments in humans ranging from faster recovery to injury prevention, by limiting swelling, increasing circulation and increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, there is no reason why this cannot be transferred to the equine world. These wraps are an affordable and practical solution to keep your horse in top shape and help recovery. Try them out and give your equine partner the care they deserve!