I know this question often comes up, so it's one I thought I would address as this information has been very helpful to me.
Hot
and cold therapies are most effective at healing when applied at the
appropriate stage of an injury to muscles, soft tissues, ligaments or
tendons.
An
injury less than 36 hours old begins to swell and bruise. Left
untreated this process can damage uninjured tissues. At this stage
applying cold therapy helps to control the inflammation which can cause
more damage. Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction (causes the blood
vessels to constrict) which helps stop bleeding and bruising. When
applied to an injury early enough, cold therapy can shorten recovery
time and minimize further tissue damage.
After
36 hours have passed, the swelling should slow and the injury will show
distinct edges. The injury will start to become slightly firmer. At
this point alternating between cold and hot therapy can start the
healing process. Heat encourages circulation and cold prevents new
swelling.
As
the injury improves the swelling will dissipate while there may still
be stiffness and discomfort. At this point heat therapy encourages
increased circulation so that your horse's body may quickly repair the
damage and remove waste from the affected area.
This advice should not be used as a substitute for professional evaluation by your veterinarian.
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