We ask more from our equine athletes than ever before.

We are equipped with a Nautilus Saltwater Spa which can help keep your horses performing at their best. It provides outstanding results for preserving the soundness of your equine athlete from a preventative maintenance standpoint or for treating a multitude of issues for the lower leg and hoof.

Spa Benefits.

The spa can prevent and treat a realm of issues including:

  • Tendon & Ligament Injuries

  • Inflammation

  • Arthritis

  • Laminitis

  • Infection

  • Infected Tendon Sheaths

  • Hoof Abscess

  • Scratches

  • Sore Shins

  • Open Wounds

  • Suspensory Desmitis

  • Increases Circulation

About the Spa.

The Nautilus spa is designed to aid in the rehabilitation of lower leg injuries. Equally as important, from a preventive maintenance standpoint, implementing the Nautilus spa into your day to day training protocols will minimize the likelihood of normal wear and tear which could otherwise escalate to a more serious injury. The Nautilus salt water spa utilizes the benefits of both hot and cold water by routinely rotating between the two temperatures. When a horse sustains an injury, the injured tissue releases chemicals that attract white blood cells to the area. These cells remove damaged tissue and foreign material including bacteria. This process causes the release of additional chemicals, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, resulting in the creation of heat and painful inflammation. Excessive inflammation may cause further tissue breakdown and increase the risk of tearing.

How It Works.

The Nautilus Saltwater Spa relies on 4 basic factors:

  • Temperature

  • Salt Concentration

  • Aeration

  • Depth of Water

Temperature:

Cold water triggers three basic reactions:

  • The metabolic response of the cells is reduced decreasing the oxygen requirements to function

  • A reduction in the amount of fluid that accumulates in the injured area due to a decrease in the permeability of the blood vessel walls

  • Numbing of the injured area serves to act as an analgesic. Cold water also prohibits enzyme degeneration of tendons post injury

  • Hot water is extremely effective for stimulating blood flow and relaxing sore and stiff muscles

Salt Concentration:

  • The salt content adds additional therapeutic value by acting like a poultice, drawing out inflammation and infection. The Nautilus uses two different types of salt:

    • Epsom Salt:

      The pure mineral compounds for Epsom salts are magnesium and sulfate, both readily absorbed through the skin. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes reducing inflammation and helping muscle and nerve functions. It is important for combating stress and fluid retention and calming the nervous system.

      Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients and flush toxins.

    • Salt from the Dead Sea:

      Includes potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. Potassium energizes the body and is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise. Calcium is effective at preventing water retention, increasing circulation and strengthening bones. Bromides act to ease muscle stiffness and relax muscles. Sodium is important for the lymphatic fluid balance. This in turn is important for immune system function. The waters from the Dead Sea are unique in that they contain 27% of various salts as compared to 3% in normal sea water. Further, while sodium accounts for approximately 80% of the salt content of normal sea water, it comprises much less of the salt total in water from the Dead Sea.

Aeration:

During both therapies, the aeration gently massages the soft tissues and muscles as the horse enjoys the physical and mental break from their rigorous routine.

Depth of Water:

The depth of the water will directly affect the amount of pressure that is exerted on the injury and aid in the dispersal of fluid retention.