What If Recovery Was as Simple as Better Blood Flow?

Imagine your horse performing at their best—moving fluidly, recovering quickly after exercise, and staying sound for years to come. Now, imagine there’s a science-backed way to help them heal faster, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries—without relying on ice, painkillers, or restrictive methods.

For decades, horse owners have followed the same old recovery methods: icing, compression, stall rest, and NSAIDs. But what if some of these approaches can slow down the healing process instead of helping?

Recent research reveals a game-changing truth—healing isn’t just about reducing inflammation; it’s about increasing circulation. The faster oxygen and nutrients reach damaged tissues, the quicker they can recover. And that’s exactly what Incrediwear Equine is designed to do.

The Secret to Faster Healing

Recovery is more than just rest—it’s an active biological process that requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. When a horse’s circulation is optimized, their body naturally speeds up the healing process. When it’s restricted, healing slows down.

After intense exercise or an injury, your horse’s body works hard to repair itself. But this repair process relies on three key factors:

- Oxygen & Nutrients – Every healing tissue needs a steady supply of oxygen and essential nutrients.

- Waste Removal – Damaged cells and metabolic byproducts, like lactic acid, need to be cleared efficiently to prevent soreness and stiffness.

-Controlled Inflammation – Some inflammation is necessary, but too much can restrict circulation and delay healing.

Multiple studies on microcirculation in equine health confirm that tendons and ligaments heal more efficiently when circulation is increased. More blood flow means more oxygen-rich nutrients and faster removal of waste.

So, if circulation plays such a crucial role in healing, why do traditional recovery methods often work against it?

Are Traditional Recovery Methods Slowing Healing?

For years, horse owners have turned to ice, NSAIDs, compression wraps, and stall rest to reduce inflammation and support recovery. While these methods provide short-term relief, they may prolong healing by limiting the very thing that speeds it up—blood flow.

The Icing Dilemma

Icing is one of the most common recovery techniques, but recent studies show that it may do more harm than good when overused. While ice can temporarily reduce swelling, it also constricts blood vessels, slowing the delivery of oxygen to healing tissues.

A 2023 study published in The Veterinary Journal examined the effects of continuous digital hypothermia for laminitis management and found that excessive icing led to prolonged vasoconstriction, limiting oxygen delivery to the hoof and potentially delaying recovery (Lavado et al., 2023).

Similarly, a 2023 study on contrast therapy in equine limbs found that while ice therapy can reduce surface temperature, excessive use prevents effective deep tissue cooling and may restrict circulation, ultimately slowing the healing process (Haussler et al., 2023).

These findings suggest that while cooling therapy is beneficial, methods that maintain circulation—rather than completely shutting it down—may be more effective for equine recovery.

The NSAID Problem

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Bute and Banamine are widely used to manage pain and inflammation in horses. While they provide short-term relief, they do not actively support tissue healing—and in some cases, may even slow it down.

A 2014 study published in Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology found that NSAIDs can interfere with the natural inflammatory resolution process, which is essential for proper tendon healing (Dakin et al., 2014).

Similarly, a 2022 study in Research in Veterinary Science concluded that long-term NSAID use may impair the regeneration of soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments, by altering cellular repair mechanisms (Baccarin et al., 2022).

Instead of relying solely on painkillers, supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms—such as non-invasive therapy that increases circulation—offers a safer, more effective approach to equine recovery.

The Compression Debate

Compression wraps are commonly used to reduce swelling and provide support, but excessive compression can hinder circulation, restricting oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissues. While mild compression can aid lymphatic drainage, tight or prolonged wrapping may limit blood flow, leading to stiffness and delayed recovery.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that overuse of compression therapy may impair lymphatic function and slow recovery by restricting microcirculation (Mattos et al., 2017).

Similarly, a 2021 study on equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation highlighted that excessive compression can reduce local blood flow, impacting soft tissue healing and flexibility (Alteneiji et al., 2021).

Rather than relying on tight bandaging alone, stimulating circulation naturally—without restricting movement—may encourage a faster and healthier recovery.

Circulation & Cooling Combined: A Smarter Approach to Healing

When it comes to equine recovery, most products focus on either circulation or cooling—but rarely both. Additionally, there are very few non-invasive, wearable therapies that are backed by research.

A 2021 study from the University of Córdoba (Cobo Moreno et al., 2021) found that Incrediwear bandages provided a more prolonged cooling effect than ice protectors while avoiding excessive vasoconstriction.

A temperature trial using a water phantom in a germanium sleeve showed that the thermoelectric cooling properties of Incrediwear fabric resulted in an immediate 23°F (≈12.8°C) drop in surface temperature, lasting for over an hour.

- Post-Exercise Recovery – Helps flush out lactic acid, reducing muscle soreness and stiffness, allowing horses to return to peak performance faster.

- Injury Rehabilitation – Increased blood flow supports deep tissue healing, potentially shortening recovery time for tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries.

- Hoof Health & Arthritis Support – Enhances circulation & reduces inflammation, providing non-invasive relief that makes movement easier & more comfortable.

With a patented, research-backed approach, Incrediwear Equine offers a smarter, drug-free way to heal faster, move better, and perform stronger.

The Future of Equine Recovery

Incrediwear Equine isn’t just another recovery tool—it’s a revolutionary approach to equine health backed by research. Whether your horse is an elite athlete, a senior companion, or recovering from injury, the power of increased circulation and controlled cooling can make all the difference.

Shop Incrediwear here at Horse Fashion Australia, the only approved Retailer in Aus!