H-Wave
H-Wave is a non-invasive electrotherapy which uses electrical stimulation to relieve pain and restore function without any potentially harmful side effects. Its benefits include:
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Pain Relief
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Improves function
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Reduces recovery time
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Increases blood circulation
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Increases lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins
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Drains areas of oedema (swelling)
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Improves oxygen supply
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Reduces muscle spasm
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Reduces muscle tightness
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Improves range of motion and flexibility
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Reduces muscle wastage from disuse
The H-Wave works by emulating the H waveform that occurs in the horse's nerve signals (the Hoffman reflex). This allows the H-Wave machine to penetrate the horse's body deeper with a lower frequency current, whilst using less power than similar machines. This means that this machine is safer, less painful and more effective.
Your Horse's Physiotherapy Session
I start using the H-Wave by acclimatising your horse to the wires and electrodes, as these can be a very new sensation for your horse. I do this by slowly draping the wires over your horse's back and moving them around, all the while offering your horse encouragement and praise.
Next, I use conductive gel to place the electrodes on your horse. In these pictures I place the electrodes either side of the withers and lumbar back, but they can be placed in numerous different positions depending on where your horse has spasm in their back. I apply gel to the horse's back and directly on the H-Wave's electrodes. This gel is hypoallergenic and is wiped off (with sensitive baby wipes) after the treatment.
Finally, I start the treatment. The average time the H-Wave is activated for is 20 minutes and I will usually perform this before massaging the other areas of tightness throughout your horse's body. I will slowly increase the power until you can see the muscles contracting.
This video shows a horse midway through their treatment. She has her head low and she is licking and chewing, which are clear signs she is relaxed. She is also a chronic windsucker and while receiving this treatment, she was so relaxed she did not windsuck. You can also see how she is resting her leg.