Long-term cryotherapy

How is the cold compress constructed?

In analogy to experience with fango-paraffin, an almost ideal emulsion could be patented after years of research and development.

Microcrystalline ice is worked into a soft, almost creamy mass which is malleable and “doughy” even when chilled. The advantages are the highest possible degree of skin tolerance with no sharp pieces of ice, no moisture, and with easy shaping even at low temperatures down to minus 22 degrees Celsius (German federal patent number 3141191).


 

STÜBBEN KRYO KOMPAKT HORSE product sizes

Kryo Kompakt Horse is available in one size:

size  (24 x 30 cm) standard size for horses

We recommend a special Velcro bandage:

Velcro bandage (1,16m x 14,5cm).
 

How is the cold compress prepared and applied to the horse?

After removing the cold compress from the packaging, briefly knead the compress before freezing it. Place the cold compress in a freezing cabinet or a deepfreeze (down to minus 22 degrees Celsius) so that you can utilise the full potential of the product. The cold compress must remain in the freezer for at least 4 hours before use.

Always keep the cold compress in the freezer so that the item is ready for immediate use at any time.

The cold compress is fixed on the affected part of the horse's body with the special Velcro bandage.

The bandage which we recommend for use with STÜBBEN KRYO KOMPAKT HORSE does not slip, it fits snugly everywhere and is easy to care for.

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For special protection, for example against nibbling, a normal wool bandage or tendon protector can be wrapped around or placed over the Velcro bandage.

The compress is made of an extremely wear-resistant nylon-textile mix. It is comfortable and non-irritating to the skin, and close fitting.


 

Recommendations on the use of STÜBBEN KRYO KOMPAKT HORSE in practice

Prevention and regeneration for tired musculature after training, competition and riding:

Remove the cold compress from the deepfreeze, place it in the bandage, and cool the horse's extremity at the desired place for 1 to 2 hours.
 

Treatment of acute inflammatory processes such as phlegmon, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, arthritis and the like:

Acute, painful processes such as sitfast, sprains, strains, contusions, capsular dilation, capsular tears and the like: in these cases it is important to begin with quick cooling with as low a temperature as possible to prevent haematoma development and to combat pain promptly. Cool for at least 3 hours without interruption, then change the compress (if required) for another 3 hours. In case of pain episodes, 3 hours of cooling a day for up to 5 days.

 

Chronic inflammatory processes which are not immune to treatment:

for 6 to 10 days alternate as follows: cool for 6 hours, warm for 12 hours, cool for 6 hours.

Pre- and post-operative application to prevent pain and swelling after operations: if possible, cool the area for 30 minutes before the operation (but only if the operation will not last longer than 30 minutes, since there would otherwise be a danger of hyperaemia).

Dermatological indications such as burns, skin irritations, eczema, injury to the coronet and the like: pain treatment as quickly as possible by cooling with low temperatures for 3 hours, then conservative dressing.

 

Reduction of fever, transport fever and tying-up syndrome in racing and trotting horses:

when applied to all four of the horse's extremities, the cryotherapy compress reduces fever by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. If possible, leave the cold application on the horse the entire night, as long as the fever lasts.




 

When can STÜBBEN KRYO KOMPAKT HORSE be used?

Prevention and regeneration - after training, competition and riding

Acute inflammatory processes - such as phlegmon, arthritis, tendinitis and tenosynovitis

Acute, painful processes - such as sprains, strains, contusions, capsular dilation, capsular tears

Chronic processes - such as arthritis of non-immunological origin

Post-operative - to prevent pain and swelling

Dermatological - such as for burns and scalding

Prevention - for example, to promote the recovery of tired musculature

Reduction - fever, transport fever and tying-up syndrome in racing and trotting horses

Acute treatment - of oedema, haematoma, swelling of the tendons and tendon sheaths

Application to small animals - strains, haemorrhage, phantom pregnancies in dogs, trauma, inflammation (udder and the like) acute treatment, first aid

 

FAQ
 

How long can I leave the cold compress on the horse considering how very low the temperatures are?

If the horse is subject to veterinary treatment and is standing inactively for a long period, cold therapy can be applied for several days.





How often does the compress have to be changed?

The compress should be changed every 2 to 3 hours. In acutely painful cases, changing the compress every hour is recommended (for the first three to four hours). For further hints, see the table: Recommendations on use of cryotherapy compresses in practice.





Why does long application of cold not result in frost injury?

The patented paraffin-oil emulsion contained in the compresses is designed so that the poor physical conductivity of paraffin can be exploited. This means that the warmth of the part of the body being treated is only withdrawn very slowly, whereas natural ice, gel packs, chemical cooling bandages and the like withdraw it very quickly. The chemical process inhibits the transmission of the body's transmitters: bradykinin, serotonin and prostaglandin.





How do horses react when "icy bandages" are applied to them?

The horses are completely quiet and relaxed. Consider by comparison the effect that an ice bag has when placed on a person's neck. The headache dissipates in a few seconds, and there is an agreeable, free feeling in the head. And now the cold can take effect at an easy pace.





Why does this not happen with gel packs, chemical cold compresses and the like?

These cooling measures are not temperature controlled so that the cold takes direct - and painful - effect on the area concerned. It only takes a few minutes for burns to appear on the skin. It is easy to understand that the horse does not find that very pleasant.





Why is cold so advantageous and irreplaceable for regeneration processes?

The high degree of cold causes a sort of "frozen sleep" in the affected area. This means that the joint, the muscles or the tendons have hours to regenerate. Pain and inflammation are effectively eliminated. Ideal recovery conditions!





What do water and the standard gel pads on the market have in common?

They have no effect in normal application. Water is not cold enough, and will not have the desired effect even if it is applied for a long period. It is only as cold or as warm as it is when it comes out of the tap. Gel packs as well as natural ice are ill suited for long-term therapy. They are not temperature controlled and therefore cause frost pain and burns. Short-term application activates the inflammation and increases the sense of pain.





How is a gel pad constructed?

It normally consists of an alcohol fluid. Due to very cheap production methods (far East), only very brief application is possible.





Why do inflammations react to cold so positively?

Inflammation always involves the development of warmth. If a sufficient cold source is applied to the inflammation focus, the source of warmth is cooled, the inflammation mediators (transmitters) are inhibited or at least considerably reduced due to decreasing body temperature or circulation. The inflammation breaks down.





Should the cryotherapy compress be applied daily after riding?

Yes, definitely. It then protects against inflammations, oedema, swelling, tendon irritation, haematoma or enlarged tendons, and the like. It is the ideal preventive measure. There is no prospect of habituation. Habituation could just as well happen with water, which we use daily for cleaning purposes. Work with the horse can sometimes be harder and therefore more strenuous for the horse. With good prevention and follow-up, negative results can often be prevented.





Is there any point to applying the compress after the injury (2 to 3 days afterwards)?

Yes, definitely. The inflammation may otherwise get worse, that is, it may expand to a larger area (phlegmon and the like). This can be effectively prevented.





How cold does the compress have to be to take full effect?

Normal deepfreezes have a temperature of about minus 20 degrees Celsius. This is the right temperature for the compress. Higher temperatures ( -15 / -18 ) are only of limited acceptability.





Does an under-pad have to be laid on the skin before the cold compress is applied?

No, that is not necessary. There will definitely be no dermatological (skin) damage at all. The effectiveness is increased by direct contact with the skin. This has a positive effect.





If liquid leaks out, is it poisonous?

No, the liquid is absolutely non-poisonous.





Does it make sense to use cold treatment for every injury?

As a matter of principle, the veterinary should be consulted in case of serious injuries. Appropriate measures should be discussed with him. For smaller injuries which do not require veterinary attention, cold is at any rate the correct treatment.





Can the compress be left on over night?

Yes - but please ensure that the cold compress remains securely on the skin by applying additional bandages or leg pads.





Does it make sense to hose the legs with water in addition to applying the compress?

Never bring water into contact with the leg when the cold compress is applied to it. The water will freeze and the ice will cause frost injury.





Can cold also be used for open wounds?

Yes, the considerable degree of cold immediately stops the blood flow.





How long does the compress have to be cooled before application?

It should always be in the deepfreeze so that it is ready for use. After use, it should be stored in the deepfreeze for at least 4 hours.





Can the compress also be used for humans?

Yes, that is the field from which it is derived. Nowadays, it is in worldwide use for sports injuries, rheumatic episodes, arthrosis and the like.





What guarantees the described mechanism of the cold compress?

The effectiveness of this special emulsion has been subjected to scientific and clinical study by the manufacturer, and the results obtained in various applications confirm its effectiveness.





What is the ideal profile of a cold compress?

It must have a demonstrable capacity to accelerate regeneration after training and competition, and represent a reliable supplement to the healing process. In addition to scientific evidence of its effectiveness, international testing and veterinary recommendation are required. Even when deep frozen (minus 22 degrees Celsius), it should be malleable to ensure direct, even contact with the part of the body concerned. It must not be a doping substance. Clean application of the compresses must be simple, and they must be easy to clean.





What should I do if I need the cold compress at a tournament?

For tournaments a small deepfreeze (20 to 30 litres) is recommended. Such articles are available inexpensively in wholesale trade or at discounters. Electricity is available at every tournament site.





When does cold have to be applied after the injury?

The general rule is: The earlier STÜBBEN KRYO KOMPAKT HORSE is applied after injuries of any kind, the better. Always think of how you react - after sports injuries, you immediately apply cold to the areas concerned, the pain recedes, and swelling and bruising is prevented.





It is advisable to use the compresses in case of ulceration of the haunch or inflammation of the haunch skin?

Yes, definitely - this effectively eliminates the inflammation. Water or damp compresses do not in any way have the same effect. In any case, consult the blacksmith.





How long do cold compresses last?

If they are properly treated, very long. But at some point, the textile is not up to the wear.





Can I freeze the cold compresses immediately after use?

The compresses have to be completely thawed. They are then warm to the touch. They have to be thoroughly kneaded and can then be frozen again. This ensures that no pieces of sharp ice will develop.





Can cold compresses be disinfected?

Yes, with any normal disinfectant.