What is the best treatment for a horse with a tendon injury?

Treating a horse tendon injury requires a combination of controlled rest, laser therapy, hydrotherapy, and regenerative treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or stem cell therapy. At Advanced Equine Recovery, we customize rehabilitation plans using state-of-the-art therapies such as water treadmill therapy and cold saltwater spa treatments to speed up healing and prevent re-injury.

How long does it take for a horse to recover from a ligament injury?

Equine ligament rehabilitation varies depending on the severity of the injury, but most cases take 3 to 12 months for full recovery. We use targeted exercise programs, ultrasound therapy, and laser treatments to promote collagen repair and improve flexibility.

What are the most effective therapies for horse joint pain?

Horse joint therapy often includes shockwave therapy, joint injections (like hyaluronic acid or PRP), hydrotherapy, and chiropractic care to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Our facility offers customized rehab programs to support joint health.

How can you tell if a horse is suffering from lameness, and what treatments work best?

Equine lameness solutions begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause—whether it’s navicular disease, arthritis, soft tissue injury, or hoof imbalances. Treatment options include corrective shoeing, therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, and aquatic therapy.

What is the best post-surgery recovery plan for horses?

Horse post-surgery recovery depends on the type of procedure performed. A structured recovery plan typically includes stall rest, controlled hand-walking, physical therapy, and gradual return to work. Our state-of-the-art rehabilitation center offers hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and laser treatments to accelerate healing.

Suspensory Ligament Injury Rehabilitation for Horses

What Is a Bowed Tendon?

A bowed tendon is one of the most common soft tissue injuries affecting performance horses. The injury occurs when fibers in the superficial digital flexor tendon are overstretched or torn, causing swelling and inflammation along the back of the lower leg.

Because tendons have limited blood supply, bowed tendon injuries often require months of careful rehabilitation to allow proper healing and reduce the risk of reinjury.

Without a structured recovery program, horses that return to work too quickly often experience recurring tendon injuries.

Symptoms of a Bowed Tendon

Common signs of a bowed tendon injury include:

• Swelling along the back of the cannon bone
• Heat and sensitivity in the tendon
• Lameness or shortened stride
• Visible “bowed” appearance of the tendon

Veterinarians typically diagnose bowed tendons using ultrasound to evaluate the extent of fiber damage.

Bowed Tendon Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from a bowed tendon requires a carefully structured rehabilitation program that gradually reintroduces controlled exercise as the tendon heals.

Rehabilitation typically includes:

• Controlled exercise progression
• Reduction of inflammation
• Therapies to stimulate tissue repair
• Gradual strengthening of the tendon

The healing process may take several months depending on the severity of the injury.

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Therapies Used in Bowed Tendon Rehabilitation

At Advanced Equine Recovery, bowed tendon rehab programs may include:

• Shockwave therapy
• Laser therapy
• Water treadmill conditioning
• Cryotherapy
• PEMF therapy

These therapies support tissue repair while maintaining muscle strength and mobility. When combined therapies are used, recovery is often accelerated.

Bowed Tendon Recovery in Oklahoma

Advanced Equine Recovery provides rehabilitation programs for horses recovering from bowed tendon injuries throughout Oklahoma and surrounding regions, helping performance horses safely return to training.

Find Out How We Can Help Your Horse Recover Faster and Stronger from a Bowed Tendon

FAQ

How long does it take a bowed tendon to heal?

Healing time varies depending on the severity of the injury, but rehabilitation often takes 6–12 months for full tendon recovery.

Can horses return to performance after a bowed tendon?

Many horses successfully return to work when the tendon is allowed sufficient time to heal and a structured rehabilitation program is followed.