Tendon Injury Protocol for Horses – Support for Bowed Tendon, Suspenso

Facing a Tendon Injury? Support Healing—One Step at a Time

Easy taping for tendon injuries, bowed tendon, suspensory ligament injuries, and flexor issues—all in plain language.

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Give your horse the best chance for a strong recovery. These Equi-Tape® strategies are designed for tendon healing—helping you relieve pain, minimize swelling, and stabilize the limb at every stage of rehab. No guesswork, just simple steps and all your supplies, together in one bundle.

Protocol:

Begin with the Basics Course to learn proper tape handling, stretch, and technique. Use the Lower Leg Module Level 2 application specifically for tendon injuries. For more advanced or severe cases, combine the Lower Leg Module Level 2 Support protocol with the Circulation (Practical Solutions) application for enhanced healing and swelling reduction.

When to Use:

• For horses diagnosed with superficial or deep digital flexor tendon injuries (always after veterinary assessment for confirmed diagnosis)
• As part of a recovery or rehabilitation plan alongside veterinary care, physical therapy, and proper hoof balance
• To support tendon healing, reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and promote an optimal healing environment

How Long to Tape:

• For acute injuries, use until the tendon has fully healed (often 12–18 weeks or as directed by your veterinarian).
• For chronic or recurring tendon issues, use during flare-ups and periods of increased activity or stress.
• Reapply the applications when the tape loses its recoil, becomes loose, or collects debris underneath.

For Chronic Cases:

For ongoing or chronic tendon injuries, use the Lower Leg Support and Circulation applications continuously during flare-ups and throughout the rehabilitation period. Reapply as needed, and coordinate with your veterinarian, farrier, and rehabilitation specialist to find the underlying reason for the ongoing/chronic issue.

Tendon Injury Management Note:

• Follow your veterinarian's/rehabilitation specialist's guidance for controlled exercise and rehabilitation timelines. Studies show horses heal faster when not confined in a stall. If your vet requires stall confinement, your goal is to get them out of the stall as quickly as possible.
• Avoid deep or uneven footing.
• Maintain optimal hoof balance with regular farrier visits.
• Provide good quality nutrition, including adequate minerals and protein, to support tendon repair.

Clinical Reasoning:

This protocol increases blood flow to the affected tendon, reduces deep inflammation, and helps relieve pain. The Lower Leg Support application stabilizes the tendon, decreases mechanical strain, and provides the optimal environment for soft tissue healing. The Circulation application further enhances tissue recovery and comfort, especially in cases with significant swelling or chronic inflammation.