Horse tendon treatment FAQs

The Horse Tendon Pad is a drug free device designed to prevent tendon injuries, as well as form a vital component to a treatment care plan when your horse develops a tendon injury.

It uses vibration therapy and acupressure, which when combined together, is a powerful means of increasing blood flow into the tendon. This accelerates the natural healing process following exercise or as part of a structured treatment program when the tendon is damaged.

Vibration therapy also reduces pain and relaxes the surrounding soft tissues, making your horse more relaxed. Acupressure also reduces pain and relaxes the surrounding soft tissue, as well as having been shown to reduce the secretion of cortisol and increases the release of endorphins, making your horse happier.

The combination of vibration therapy and acupressure is primarily aimed at increasing blood flow to your horse’s tendon, natures way of healing tissue damage. As tendons have a poor blood supply, increasing that blood flow is vital in preventing an injury following exercise, and during a rehabilitation program. The pad also relieves focal pain from tendon damage, and generally feels pleasant for the horse when wearing it.

Acupressure works by applying gentle pressure, helping to release muscle and tendon tension, and improve blood flow. It also reduces focal pain and eases discomfort in the affected area. The combination of these responses relaxes the surrounding soft tissue, boosts endorphins (which make your horse feel happier) and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. More information can be found here:  https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpfsm/12/6/12_147/_pdf

To reduce the risk of developing a tendon injury in the first place, use the pad after exercise. Tendons, like the surrounding muscles, suffer microtrauma during exercise. Use cold water in a boot to reduce the amount of bleeding from the microtrauma to start with. After 3-4 hours, depending on how hard you have worked your horse, apply the pad in the middle of the tendon for 20 minutes. You may need to apply the pad for a few days if the exercise was intense. We have found horses tolerate having two pads on at the same time, so we have included two in the one box.

If your horse has a tendon injury, please ensure you seek the advice of your equine vet and/or physiotherapist. You can use the pad daily, up to 3 times for 20 minutes, in between the treatment received from your equine professional. The Horse Tendon Pad will compliment the treatments they can offer. Your equine professional will help you progress through a strengthening program to ensure the tendon becomes strong again prior to returning to normal exercise. The pad can be used throughout this process, and then to reduce the risk of tendon damage reoccurring once they are back to full fitness.

Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury, and can take many months to recover. Please ask your equine professional, once they have determined the full extent of the damage sustained.

Yes, vibration therapy helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and interrupt pain signals, making your horse more comfortable. Collectively, this improves blood flow to the tendon to help in the natural healing process following exercise or during injury.

For injury prevention, use the pad daily as part of your normal daily routine around your horse’s needs. Apply it in the mid portion of the tendon, securing it with a boot or wrap. Use for 20 minutes at a time. If your horse has a history of tendon injuries but is now recovered, you can prepare the tendon for exercise by applying it to the area of the tendon normally affected before you take the horse out. Allow the tendon to cool post exercise, and use again after 3-4 hours to help post exercise soreness and microtrauma.

Each session should last up to 20 minutes. You can repeat use up to three times per day depending on your horse’s needs and condition.

Yes, the pad is designed for daily use. Regular sessions help maintain circulation, reduce stiffness and support ongoing tendon health.

For injury prevention, place the pad in the middle of the tendon, or over any areas that feels thickened and/or tender. If your horse has a history of tendon injuries, place the pad at the site they normally have a problem. It will occur at a site particular to your horse due to the way it loads through the leg and their stride pattern.

When using the pad to help treat an injury, place it over the site of most thickening and tenderness. Please be guided by your equine professional if unsure.

Don’t forget the part of the tendon that attaches to the bone, this is also sites where injuries can develop.

Yes, it is a non-invasive and drug-free device designed for external use. It should not be used on open wounds or over damaged skin.

The pad is generally very well tolerated by horses; it feels nice and reduces pain. However, if your horse is easily scared or timid, please use caution when first trialling the pad. The pad can feel like there is a fly around the leg, and the horse can stomp. This is normal and stops fairly quickly when the horse starts to feel the benefit from it.

The pad should not be used on open wounds, infected areas or where there is severe swelling without veterinary advice. If unsure, consult your equine professional before use.

The pad is not waterproof, so please do not use in a wet environment. It may damage the pad and it may stop working.

No, the pad is designed to promote tendon recovery but should not replace professional equine care. It works best as part of a broader treatment plan.

The pad uses standard AA batteries, making it easy to power and use without the need for charging cables or additional equipment. If your pad stops working, replace the battery first of all. Ensuring your battery is not running low, which will ensure you get the most benefit from the pad.

Yes, the pad comes with simple instructions for use and care. Keeping the device clean and storing it safely will help maintain performance over time.

Clean the pad with a damp cloth, do not soak in water.

The pad is designed for use on horse tendons. It is not a toy and should be kept away from young children.

The Horse Tendon Pad comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, or your horse cannot tolerate the pad, you can return the product for a full refund within this period. Please see our Money-Back Guarantee page