Kissing Spines Surgery & The Equilibrium Products Massage Pad Heatsense
Sky Equine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, December 2023
Rehabilitation following surgery can be a long and challenging journey, requiring careful management to rebuild strength, maintain mobility, and support overall wellbeing. For Scooby, a warmblood X Thoroughbred recovering from kissing spines surgery, the path to recovery took an unexpected turn when a sarcoid removal interrupted his progress. With limited exercise options available during his box rest, an innovative solution was needed to help maintain his condition and keep him comfortable. That’s where the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense made all the difference.
In July 2023, Scooby, a lovely warmblood X TB, who had undergone surgery for kissing spines, was placed with us for rehabilitation livery. He had endured two procedures involving shaving of the vertebrae and two ligament snips. His initial rehabilitation had gone well and within 8-9 weeks, we were able to start working him under saddle. During his first phase of rehab, we regularly used a number of Equilibrium therapy products on him, and he gained good strength.
Unfortunately, at the end of the September, we noticed a fast growing sarcoid between his front legs which required immediate removal. This meant Scooby was returned to box rest while it healed. During this period of box rest, Scooby was unable to continue with his original exercise prescription which meant he lost a lot of the strength and condition that we had built up. We heard about the new Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense and thought this could really help him. It ended up being a game changer for Scooby as we were able to continue some alternative rehab within the stable in the form of stretching and other physiotherapy techniques. With the addition of heat to the massage pad, we knew that the muscles were warm enough to manipulate and stretch them.
The Heatsense not only helped him physically, but it also settled him mentally. It allowed him to relax his whole body, let go of tension, therefore reducing compensation lines and keeping his circulation operating as it should. By the time he was able to start walk work and enjoy turnout again, we realised that the majority of his topline was still present and we firmly believe it was due to the use of the Massage Pad Heatsense, allowing us to continue his physiotherapy.
When Scooby returned home, his owner was so impressed with his overall condition that she purchased her own Heatsense so she could continue to use it before any form of exercise, ensuring that his back muscles would be warm, supple and had plenty of fresh blood circulating through them.
The Massage Pad Heatsense has now become a vital piece of equipment at our busy yard, benefiting all of our rehabilitation liveries.
Conclusion
Scooby’s journey highlights the crucial role that effective therapy tools can play in equine rehabilitation. The Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense not only helped maintain his muscle condition and circulation during a period of enforced rest but also provided much-needed relaxation and mental relief.