Clinical Research: Cold Spa Bath Hydrotherapy

A published study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science examined 27 horses with lower leg injuries treated with cold water spa hydrotherapy. The water temperature was maintained between 5–9 °C (37° - 47°F) and used 10 minutes, three times weekly.

• Horses with superficial digital flexor tendon damage and suspensory ligament injuries showed marked ultrasonographic improvements in tendon fiber alignment and reduced swelling.
   
• All but two horses returned to training and competitive work within six months without re-injury.
   
• Two horses with contusion injuries from trauma were able to compete successfully within 72 hours without drug therapy after intensive hydrotherapy sessions.

This research indicates that hypertonic cold water spa therapy can be a valuable adjunctive treatment in equine rehabilitation programs. 

Direct link to study found in UC Davis Horse Report: 

https://cehhorsereport.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/healing-waters 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080601701219