Equine Spas versus Aqua Treadmills

A comparison between Equine Spa Therapy and Aqua Trainers or Treadmills.

Often, Aqua Treadmills / Aqua Trainers and Equine Spas are confused. Those who are familiar with the Aqua Treadmill think the Treadmill has similar therapeutic qualities to an Equine Spa but with the additional advantage of exercise. This is a misunderstanding.

The Equine Spa is not used for exercise. It is specifically designed for the treatment of tendon & ligament injuries, hock & joint problems, sore shins, laminitis, wounds & cuts, jarring up, and general stiffness and soreness. It is also increasingly used as a preventative medium before and after competitions. The water is very cold and heavily salinated (for more information please see How Equine Spa Hydrotherapy Works).

Due to the low temperature major muscle groups must never be immersed in the water. The Equine Spa can be used in the acute phase of the injury, i.e. the pre-exercise phase, as well as in the recovery phase when it can be combined with controlled walking e.g. in a horse walker.

In contrast the Aqua Treadmill is never used in the acute stage of the injury. A higher water temperature permits deeper water, therefore the weight of the horse can be partially supported through flotation.

However, the Aqua Treadmill would not be used as the first exercise medium, for example in the rehabilitation of a tendon injury. This is due to the impact of flotation on the gait of the horse. Also the tendons and ligaments work by being stretched, building up potential energy and then using this energy to propel the horse forward. When the weight of the horse is partially supported by water the tendons and ligaments work less and the muscles work more.

In summary, the Equine Spa hydrotherapy is much more of a therapeutic [i.e healing] process for tendon and ligament injuries, joint problems, relieving arthritis, founder, sore shins, cuts, wounds, general swellings and stiffness, and promoting hoof growth. If there is inflammation, heat, pain or swelling the Equine Spa is the ideal therapy.

The Aqua Treadmill is not a Spa with a Treadmill. It is more of an exercise medium with some therapeutic elements especially in the recovery or post acute phase of the injury.