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.

Bowed Tendon Rehab: How Regenerative Therapies + Advanced Equine Modalities Speed Up Recovery

Jun 5

Written By KRISTINA PICCIOTTI

A bowed tendon doesn’t have to mean the end of a performance horse’s career. With the right combination of regenerative medicine and targeted therapy, recovery can be stronger, faster, and more complete.

At Advanced Equine Recovery, we help horses heal from tendon injuries using stem cell or PRP therapy supported by a full suite of complementary treatments—designed to regenerate tissue, reduce inflammation, and bring horses back to peak condition for a strong, fit, sound recovery.

Step 1: Regenerate the Tissue with Stem Cells or PRP

Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are two of the most effective ways to stimulate tendon regeneration.

Stem cells encourage true tendon fiber growth (not just scar tissue).
PRP delivers natural growth factors that accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.

📌 Did you know?
A study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal showed horses treated with stem cells were 3X more likely to return to performance than those with conventional care.
Another review showed 80% of PRP-treated horses returned to work within 12 months, compared to up to 24 months with traditional rehab.

These therapies lay the groundwork—but what happens after the injection is just as important.

Step 2: Optimize Healing with Advanced Modalities

Our facility offers the most advanced equine therapy technology in Oklahoma. Here’s how each treatment supports and amplifies the effects of regenerative medicine:

❄️ Cryotherapy

Targeted cold therapy using our America Cryo Gun helps reduce inflammation right after injection.

Controls heat and swelling
Reduces pain and tissue trauma
Creates the ideal environment for stem cells or PRP to thrive

💥 Shockwave Therapy

High-energy shockwave pulses stimulate the healing cascade.

Promotes blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
Aligns collagen fibers properly
Strengthens tendon structure as it heals

📚 Veterinary studies show shockwave therapy improves fiber density and shortens recovery times in tendon injuries.

🔴 Class IV Laser Therapy

Our America Cryo Class IV Laser stimulates tissue repair at the cellular level.

Increases ATP (energy) production in cells
Enhances circulation and lymphatic flow
Speeds recovery and reduces reinjury risk

🌊 Water Treadmill Therapy

The Horse Gym USA Water Treadmill provides controlled strength training during tendon rehab.

Cold water reduces inflammation
Buoyancy decreases concussive forces on the healing limb
Builds endurance, balance, and confidence in motion

🧲 PEMF & Vibration Therapy

We use both MagnaWave PEMF and the Horse Gym USA Relax unit (vibration + solarium) for full-body support.

Increases microcirculation
Aids detox and muscle recovery
Keeps the rest of the body in alignment during rehab

A Customized Plan for Every Horse

At Advanced Equine Recovery, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether your horse received PRP or stem cells, we create a personalized protocol based on:

Ultrasound evaluations
Stage of tendon healing
Workload goals and discipline
Temperament and physical compensation
Veterinarian recommendations

Your horse’s rehab may include any combination of therapies above, applied in the right order and intensity to promote optimal tendon regeneration.

Results That Last

✅ Return to work faster
✅ Lower risk of reinjury
✅ Better tendon strength and elasticity
✅ Healthier horses, inside and out

With regenerative therapy as the foundation, our complete therapy program gives horses the best chance at long-term soundness and success.

Ready to Start Your Horse’s Comeback?

📞 Call us today or Book a Consultation to discuss your horse’s recovery plan.
We’re proud to serve performance horses throughout Oklahoma and the Southwest.

Advanced Equine Recovery — Where science meets care.

KRISTINA PICCIOTTI