A Scientific Guide to Aquatread for Tendon and Ligament Injuries
The Science of Healing
How Aquatread Therapy Optimizes Tendon & Ligament Repair
Tendon and ligament injuries are among the most common and career-threatening issues for athletic horses. The rehabilitation process is notoriously long and delicate, centered on a core scientific challenge: how to apply beneficial mechanical load to promote strong, aligned fiber healing without over-stressing the tissue and causing re-injury.
The Two Paths of Healing
Traditional stall rest can lead to weak, disorganized scar tissue. The controlled loading in an aquatread promotes stronger, more functional healing. Drag the slider below to reveal the difference.
The 3 Pillars of Aquatic Therapy
The aquatread leverages three core principles of physics to create the ideal healing environment. Click each pillar below to see how it works.
Controlled Loading
By supporting the horse's body weight, buoyancy reduces strain on healing fibers, allowing for safe, early motion that signals new collagen to align correctly for a stronger repair.
Prescribing the Right Protocol
Effective therapy is a progressive plan. By precisely controlling water depth and speed, a therapist can gradually reintroduce load to the healing tissue, stimulating a robust and functional recovery. Use the simulator below to see how a plan might progress.
Rehab Progression Simulator
Early Stage: Deep Water. The primary goal is to minimize load while encouraging organized fiber alignment and managing inflammation.
By simultaneously controlling load, promoting organized fiber alignment, combating muscle atrophy, and managing inflammation, the aquatread provides a multi-faceted, scientifically optimized environment for tendon and ligament healing, leading to a stronger repair and a more successful return to sport.
