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Introduction to heat therapy and MIRoTEC treatment products The overall qualities of warmth and heat have long been associated with comfort and relaxation. Heat therapy goes a step further and can provide both pain relief and healing benefits for many types of equine back and joint pain. An easy to use, effective, proven and inexpensive solution in the form of MIRoTEC heat therapy products are simple to apply and maintain. How heat therapy works for back pain. Many episodes of equine back pain in both the saddle and the sacroiliac area result from strains and over-exertions, creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues around the lower spine. As a result, this restricts proper circulation and sends pain signals to the brain. Muscle spasm in the lower back can create sensations that may range from mild discomfort (reduced performance) to excruciating back pain (inability to perform). Heat therapy can help relieve pain from the muscle spasm and related tightness in the lower back. Heat therapy application can help provide lower back pain relief through several mechanisms: Heat therapy dilates the blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine. This process increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping to heal the damaged tissue. Heat stimulates the sensory receptors in the skin, which means that applying heat to the lower back will decrease transmissions of pain signals to the brain and partially relieve the discomfort. Heat application facilitates stretching the soft tissues around the spine, including muscles, connective tissue, and adhesions. Consequently, with heat therapy, there will be a decrease in stiffness as well as injury, with an increase in flexibility and overall feeling of comfort. Flexibility is very important for a healthy back. There are several other significant benefits of heat therapy that make it so appealing. Compared to most therapies, Mirotec heat therapy is very inexpensive compared to massage and magnetic Heat therapy is also easy to do - it can be done in the stable or when turned out and MIRoTEC provide specific heat wraps to target the treatment to just where it is needed. For many horses, heat therapy works best when combined with other treatment modalities, such as massage physical therapy and exercise. Relative to most veterinary treatments available, heat therapy is appealing to many equine performance disciplines because it is a simple, non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical form of therapy. Because of its effects on circulation, metabolism and nerves, heat also plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of chronic injuries. Such injuries, defined as having symptoms that persist or develop over time, present a special challenge to diagnose and to treat in horses. Horses can adapt and compensate by shifting weight from the injured area to another limb; unfortunately, this results in more strain on other parts of the body. When these compensatory changes exhaust the supporting structures, atrophy and lameness develop from disuse of the painful area. With chronic injuries, it is essential to address the cause of pain and dysfunction, not just the symptoms. Among the types of injuries and conditions which can benefit from heat therapy are: arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, ‘cold backs' and muscle soreness. Heat Therapy Benefits v Increases metabolic activity in cells
v Increases Lymphatic flow between cells
v Prepares tissue for exercise
v Reduces joint stiffness v Provides pain relief
Why is MIRoTEC Effective? Mirotec acts through reflection of body heat (infra-red radiation), thereby boosting lymphatic and blood circulation. This has three profound effects on the horses physiology: 1) Body Fluid Stimulation / Circulation: This activates the Lymph function and Lymph circulation. Therefore it indirectly stimulates the blood circulation of the Body. This encourages venous circulation, improves blood capillaries re-absorption and increases the pulsation of capillaries. 2) Effect of Nervous System: The parasympathetic nervous system stimulated. This has a relaxation effect, together with anti-spastic effects and improves muscle tone. Constant stimulation of the C-fibre mechanoreceptors has inhibitory analgesic / anti-pain effects 3) Immune System Stimulation: The immune system is stimulated by passage of lymph in the lymph nodes. This applies to both cellular and humoral immunity. Immune reactions & antigen/antibody presentation are activated by the stimulation of lymph circulation. Lymph in its flow actually takes away the toxins, the bacteria, and the large molecules that the venous system can't regain. It can, in particular, remove "trapped proteins" and fat molecules in the tissues. Finally as it passes through the lymphatic nodes, small centres of filtration, it also manages our immune defences. Lymph leaves the waste and bacteria in the lymphatic nodes, and transports lymphocytes - the specialized white corpuscles that produce antibodies. It is easy to understand, therefore, its importance for the strength of our immune system, the state of our tissues & our general well-being. However, the lymphatic flow can stagnate or even stop for many reasons such as: - e.g. fatigue, stress, emotional and muscle shock, physical injury, lack of physical activity (stabling), certain food additives. If the lymphatic circulation slows down, the supplying and regeneration of cells is poorly carried out. Consequently, toxins accumulate, hastening the aging process & opening the gates to various physical problems. Enjoy Peak Performance and Prevent Injuries By using Mirotec's range of TreatmentRugs and products for treatment, travel, and general well being of your horse/s, you can maximise the performance of your horse by ensuring that it is always fit, relaxed, warmed-up and ready to go. Mirotec TreatmentRugs are perfect for treating horses with sore and cold backs, arthritis, sacroiliac injuries and muscle strains. Our TreatmentRugs also help prevent tying-up and increase detoxification, improving recovery time after strenuous exercise. They are very beneficial when used as part of your warm-up and cool-down regime - without expending any extra energy! Our TreatmentRugs have two internal, removable panels for targeted heat treatment and heat regulation. The front panel is designed to treat the saddle and wither area and the rear panel treats hindquarters and the sacroiliac area. Use a TreatmentRug for transport ensuring your horse travels warmed-up and ready for exercise during training or for competition. Mirotec TreatmentRugs are used by leading competition trainers and riders for all types of competitive events, pre- and post-exercise. Mirotec's range of equine products can also assist in the treatment of shoulder and tendon injuries, muscle strains and spasms, shin soreness, arthritic joints and knees.
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