For centuries, horse people have been searching for the "one-shot" approach to rehabilitation and recovery.  This has not been discovered yet. However, every day we have more data and science on how to get horses back to battle faster and more efficiently than ten even 5 years ago. 

The age of let's wait and see what happens is probably about to be extinct.  We welcome the new age of let's make it happen.  Therefore, this is how we make it happen. 

The first thing I need to explain to you is that it takes a range of 7 to 15 days for these treatments to arrive where they need to be and begin their magic.  Then after those days, the repair will continue to happen. Expecting a sound horse before the product can biologically make an effect on the horse can lead to frustrations and desperate decisions.  Once the product arrives and starts the repair, then the horse will gradually start feeling better. 

The second most important fact, and perhaps this should be equally important is the understanding that every lameness in the horse has a biomechanical part. What does this mean? In simple terms, it means we need to work with a very good farrier or blacksmith in order to relieve the pressures and tensions that are causing or aggravating the lameness.  Your farrier-veterinarian-trainer team will joint forces and determine what is the best biomechanic arrangement for your horse. 

Now then most sought question: How long until exercise? 

As a rule of thumb, a horse that has been treated with regenerative therapies due to osteoarthritis will be in sall rest for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. Followed by hand walking for 15 to 20 minutes daily for the next 7 to 10 days.  Lameness will be evaluated after that period and if the lameness has resolved then gradual increased exercise will be indicated. 

If your horse has been treated with Alpha 2 M (new product on the market), you should give 48 to 72 hrs of rest. Then start gradual increase exercise over the next 2 weeks, then after 3 weeks continue the normal exercise. It can take up to 3 weeks for the A2M to take full effect.  The advantage of this product is that it can be repeated as soon as 3 weeks or even sooner sometimes. I always recommend re-evaluating 2 to 4 months after the initial injection and repeat the treatment. This will give the joint a nice boost to its health. 

If your horse has been treated due to a tendon injury or ligament injury, then the following applies. Stall rest for 24 to 48 hrs after the treatment. Followed by hand walk 10 to 15 minutes a day, and daily stretching exercises 4 weeks. Every 4 weeks, there has to be an ultrasound evaluation in order to measure progress and increased exercise. 

Here is the tricky part of the first 2 months after your horse has received treatment.  Remember I told you that every lameness has a biomechanical reason?  Now its a critical part because we will start seeing other areas of the horse that need balancing as well.

In another article I will talk to you about chiropractic work, acupuncture, physiotherapy, magna wave, underwater treadmill and more.