Equine Spa hydrotherapy relies on four basic factors:

» temperature;
» salt concentration;
» depth of water and;
» aeration

• Firstly, at a cellular level, the metabolic response of the cells is reduced, so the cells need less oxygen to function and thereby suffer less hypoxic injury.
• Secondly, the permeability of the blood vessel walls is decreased, thus reducing the amount of fluid that accumulates in the injured area.
• And thirdly, the cold numbs the area to a certain degree, acting as a topical analgesic.

One of the best things about cold is that it does not override the beneficial effects of the healing process. Please note that the application of cold should not be overdone. The overuse of ice, for example, can cause tissue damage.

2. Salt Concentration
The salt concentration of the water has an impact on the healing process. Higher salt concentrations have a greater drawing effect which promotes the reduction of swelling and inflammation surrounding the injury.

Additionally, the proportion of various salts has been found to influencehealing of the injury.

3. Depth of Water
The greater the depth of the water the greater is the physical pressure exerted on the tissues which aids in the reduction of swelling.

4. Aeration
Aeration of the water has a two effects. The dissolved oxygen level of the water is increased and soft tissue is subjected to a gentle massaging action.

It is thought that the increased oxygen levels in water aids the healing process much like hyperbaric chambers do for humans, while the massage effect reduces swelling and inflammation.

In addition, horses tend to relax more in moving water compared to standing in still cold water as is evidenced by reduced heart rates.

Traditionally horses were stood in cold running streams or walked in the sea as an aid to the treatment and prevention of leg problems and, today, cold hosing is a standard modality for cooling down horses after exercise.