Compression has long held a sacred place in equine care. Standing wraps, compression bandages, and tightly wound support boots have become go-to solutions for swelling, inflammation, and recovery. But what if our loyalty to compression is more tradition than truth? As science digs deeper into how horses recover, one message becomes clear: it might be time to loosen the wrap.
On the surface, compression makes sense. Pressure reduces swelling. Tightness equals support. But real-world outcomes and scientific scrutiny are poking holes in these assumptions—especially in horses.
Veterinarians like Dr. Stephen Soule, a respected FEI sport horse vet, now question the use of heavy compression in cases of lymphangitis and cellulitis, warning it can actually impede fluid movement and delay healing. Similarly, equine science expert Dr. Sheryl King has criticized equine compression suits for being backed by little more than marketing hype, cautioning that such garments may overheat horses, restrict oxygen flow, and ultimately do more harm than good. And the data supports them.
While some compression can assist in acute injury control, studies show improper or prolonged use can halt lymphatic flow altogether. A blog post from a compression wrap manufacturer even references research where traditional bandages stopped lymph flow in the equine leg entirely—a stunning admission.
Incrediwear Equine offers a paradigm shift in equine recovery: therapeutic, wearable wraps and sleeves powered by a patented fabric technology that stimulates circulation without compression. At its core lies a blend of semiconductor elements that, when activated by body heat, emit far infrared radiation (FIR) and release negative ions—working together to enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.
Unlike compression, which works by applying pressure to restrict swelling and contain inflammation, Incrediwear supports recovery by stimulating circulation and cellular activity:
- Increased mitochondrial activity
- Regulates nitric oxide (NO), promoting vasodilation
- Modulates inflammatory cytokines
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Enhances cellular repair and lifespan
This isn’t pseudoscience. A human clinical study comparing Incrediwear to standard compression (TED hose) following total knee replacement surgery found that the Incrediwear group experienced 19% less swelling, 4% greater range of motion, and lower pain levels. In contrast, the compression group showed a 35% increase in swelling.
If these are the results seen in humans—who can describe discomfort and adjust accordingly—imagine the potential impact for horses, who rely entirely on us to interpret their recovery needs.
Thermographic and Doppler Studies Show Real-Time Physiological Benefits. Recent infrared thermography results bring even more clarity to how Incrediwear products interact with equine physiology—this time in a resting horse at a cool ambient temperature of 13°C.
Highlights from the thermographic study:
- Dorsal View (Front of Leg): Cooling of up to -6.5°C at the coronet and significant drops at the pastern and fetlock suggest an anti-inflammatory, endothermic effect. Despite the naturally induced vasoconstriction from cool temps, the sock reduced surface temperature in key vascular regions—implying real biological activity.
- Palmar View (Back of Leg): A temperature increase of +2.3°C at the fetlock and +1.6°C at the metacarpus within 15 minutes indicates active stimulation of circulation, particularly in areas critical to tendon health.
- Lateral/Medial Views (Side): Thermal images revealed more even temperature distribution across the limb—a hallmark of improved microcirculation, reduced swelling, and lymphatic drainage.
Doppler ultrasound studies presented in the Incrediwear Equine clinical materials show a 26% increase in blood flow to the tendon region. This objective vascular data confirms what thermography suggested—Incrediwear gear doesn't just "warm up" legs; it activates circulation.
Equine-specific evidence for compression therapy remains surprisingly thin. A systematic review in the journal “Animals” found a high risk of bias in the majority of alternative therapy studies. Even more telling: many compression-related therapies marketed to horse owners have no clinical trials at all to support them.
Contrast that with emerging studies like Therese Schmidt's 2022 thesis at Virginia Tech, which evaluated wearable therapy products (like ceramic and compression-based wraps). The outcome? Minimal or no measurable benefit. Some even raised flags about thermal buildup and questionable long-term gains.
What the horse world really needs is circulation Without constriction - movement or increase in circulation - restriction is at the heart of healthy recovery. Infrared-based, non-compressive therapies like Incrediwear offer a smarter, safer alternative that honors the horse's biology rather than overriding it.
Unlike compression wraps, Incrediwear products can be worn 24/7 without the risk of overheating or restricted flow, if worn and applied correctly without causing mechanical compression. That makes them ideal not just for acute injuries, but also for post-exercise recovery, chronic inflammation, trailering, and more.
Compression isn’t all bad. It has a place. But it’s no longer above questioning. We owe it to our horses to rethink what "support" really means. Instead of defaulting to pressure, let’s look toward therapies that enhance the body’s own healing processes. With its non-compressive, science-backed approach to improving circulation and reducing inflammation, Incrediwear Equine is leading that charge.