Back on Track

Ceramic fabric pain relief products

Instructions for use:  Horse products

Back on Track products should be introduced gradually. They should only be applied for a total period of 4 hours per day for the first 2 to 3 days. After that, it is recommended to keep them on overnight. The longer they are left on, the better the results.  Please note that physical responses can be variable. Ideally, you will notice a reduction of stiffness, muscle pain or sore joints within a few hours or days. Quite often though, you will need to persevere for 10 days to 20 days, particularly with established long-term injuries.

Back on Track horse products are most commonly used over night. If problems persist, extra benefit can be derived from using them during the horse’s active daylight hours, by taking advantage of the additional body heat generated by physical motion.     

It is generally recommended not to use liniments with Back on Track products, but if you don’t achieve the desired result, you can choose to try a mild liniment or alcohol with them. Be aware that any liniment gets stronger if used in conjunction with these products, so please use your own judgement.

As symptoms such as pain and swelling may diminish or vanish completely, we recommend that you occasionally (say every 3 to 4 weeks) suspend the use of the products for 5 to 7 days. This will permit observation of the problem area to see if any underlying problem prevails that may require veterinary attention.

Another reason for intermittently suspending use of the products is that some horses’ bodies may become overly accustomed to the effect of them. Also, as we cannot increase the dose rate to optimise a particular performance by the animal, the best means of ensuring the maximum result when using the products prior to training or competition, is to avoid using them continuously over extended periods.    

 To avoid the products absorbing and retaining moisture, it is preferred that the animal is dry before applying the Back on Track products. They will, however, still function effectively when the horse is wet.

Please note: Not to be used during pregnancy (because it is impossible to judge if the effect of a new product adds to the frequency of existing malformations).

Washing instructions Back on Track products are machine washable up to 90°F or 30°C, using normal detergents that do not contain bleach. They should be air dried only. Please note: Do not use bleach or fabric softeners, and do not tumble dry. If you wish to iron these products, do so at a maximum of 120°F or 50°C. As the ceramic powder is actually melded into the polyester/polypropylene threads, it will not separate when washed. The textile will however deteriorate with prolonged use.

Specific using instructions

Body and back products Back on Track rugs are most commonly used over night. If problems persist, extra benefit can be derived from using them during the horse’s active daylight hours. In relation to performance horses, much benefit can be gained by using the saddle pad, loin-blanket or exercise-blanket, all of which are specifically designed for use during exercise.  

Leg wraps and bandages Back on Track leg wraps are also most commonly used overnight. Preferably, they should be applied to dry legs and wrapped with a regular bandage over the top. Caution should be used during the first 2-3 days as excessive use from the outset may cause legs to “fill up” due to increased blood circulation. This, however, is a good sign of efficacy. If a degree of swelling or pain still persists after regular overnight use of the wraps, extra benefit can be gained by using them during the animal’s active daylight hours as well. In this instance, we recommend using the Back on Track bandages (polo and exercise bandages) as they stay firmly in position during movement.

Hock and Knee boots Although it is generally recommended to use Back on Track products overnight (as the longer they are left on, the better the results), this is often not possible with the knee and hock boots, as many horses try to remove them. Thankfully, experience has shown that just a few hours application of these boots is usually enough, though the process can certainly be extended or repeated, if necessary to achieve the desired result. As Back on Track knee and hock boots must be applied for a reasonable period of time to be effective (and part of that effect is increased blood flow), they are specifically designed not to constrict blood flow. As such, elasticity is an important part of that design. This does however, increase the likelihood of the horse displacing the product during motion, especially when attempting to lie down or stand back up.  We therefore suggest that the best means of using this product is whilst the horse is reasonably restrained or confined (either tied up, confined to a small stall or yard, or whilst being transported). Also, the horse should not be in a position where it can rub these boots against any sharp or protruding objects, as doing so will easily damage the neoprene external casing.

Preventative use In addition to treating injuries, Back on Track products are often used to prevent them. If used routinely as a preventative measure, they should be applied for 2 to 3 weeks followed by a one week break. Another alternative is to apply them 1 to 2 days before training or performing, and for 2 days afterwards. A short break is then recommended before repeating the cycle. Even if restricted to a few hours use before and after training, Back on Track products can still help reduce the likelihood of injury. 

The pathway to pain relief

By reducing inflammation and increasing circulation, Back on Track products have provided horses with great relief from a wide variety of ailments. They have been effectively used on muscular problems such as acidosis, strains, bruising, pressure-point pain, “tying up” and general back soreness, in addition to treating horses with sensitive skin. They have been equally effective on a variety of leg problems also, including bowed tendons, suspensory problems, filled legs, sprains, arthritic or painful joints, bucked shins, and navicular nerve damage.

 Back on Track Europe Ltd ( Peter Lane, Sales Manager, UK ) Tel: 07806 380 960

uk@backontrack.eu                          www.backontrack.eu