INDIBA
I am an approved and fully trained INDIBA therapist, offering this fantastic technology to all my equine patients when needed.
Established in 1983, it is now widely used throughout the world for
treating both humans and animals.
What is Indiba and how does it work?
The electromagnetic radiofrequency current, set specifically to 448kHz, is passed into the body via an electrode held by the therapist and leaves the body via a return plate that is positioned on the horse’s sternum. Unlike most other electro physical agents (EPA), this is a closed circuit and with the positioning of the active electrode and the return plate it gives the therapist some influence over the direction and depth of the current.
INDIBA® treatment has many influences on the body’s cells and blood flow. Biostimulation improves the health and nutrition of cells. Vascularisation improves blood flow, oxygenation and drainage of cells and hyperactivation helps to remove toxins, counteracts fibrosis and promotes tissue repair.
It can be operated either sub-thermally or thermally, meaning, using clinical understanding of the condition being treated, the operator can add or reduce the heat element to the treatment. In every case, regardless of heat, the targeted tissue will always receive 448kHz of radio frequency. By being able to treat sub thermally, this enables therapists and vets to begin treatment as soon as 6 hours post injury.
Studies completed by Professor Tim Watson concluded that it is very effective at increasing blood flow and tissue temperature lasting longer and going deeper than any other electrotherapy on the market.
With plenty of published scientific papers available and further research on going, INDIBA has evidence for treating many injuries and aiding rehabilitation.
What horses benefit from it?
Any horse can benefit from INDIBA radio frequency. Regardless of whether they are a happy hacker, Olympic dressage horse, racehorse or eventer, they all have tendons, ligaments, muscles and bone that can get injured.
Each discipline typically carries their own common ailments, and with INDIBA’s proven depth of penetration, nothing is out of reach. Combining this and manual techniques, the time back to ridden work has been seen to be significantly reduced and the chance of re-injury much less of a risk.
It’s not all about rehabilitation. It has also been seen to improve performance, increase stride length, rebalance muscles, improve movement and reduce tension.
Unlike some EPA’s, density of coat, hair colour or fat are no obstacle for INDIBA, so the hairiest cob and the fine coated, clipped thoroughbred will receive the same dose and efficiency of treatment.
Having been in practice since 2009, my client base has naturally migrated towards dressage, racing and hunting and as such I find myself working on tendon and ligament injuries, splints, sacroiliac pain, kissing spines and pelvic issues, but, INDIBA is in no way limited to these conditions.
I have been delighted with the response from vets upon re-examination / re-scan / x-ray after a course. Horses previously given a 50/50 prognosis are getting back into work and returning to competition at the level before injury had occurred.
Who can buy and operate the device?
Currently only fully trained animal therapists (Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists) and vets can buy the device. It is essential that the operator has solid clinical understanding of each and every injury they are treating as well as have sound clinical reasoning so the appropriate dose is given and adjusted when needed depending on how the injury is responding. In addition, to get the best result this should be combined with the manual skills and rehabilitation exercise plan.
From a physio's point of view, what horses do you use the kit on, and how do you feel it helps your treatment?
As previously mentioned, any horse can receive INDIBA treatment. Since owning a device, whilst I have worked with every breed, size and shape for injury repair and rehabilitation, I have found those competing regularly are more likely to benefit from this treatment as part of their routine maintenance and to improve performance.
Like any sport, the requirements of its discipline can put excess strain on various parts of the body. A high level dressage horse will sit into their haunches to perform pirouettes, piaffe, passage and lateral movements. A racehorse will utilise it’s powerful front end to keep movement fast and low and jumpers will need to coil and spring over fences. Regardless of where the intensity lies, nothing is too deep for INDIBA.
Any concerns with your horse, get in touch to discuss a treatment plan.
Whether your animal is recovering from surgery, has been diagnosed with degenerative joint condition, is in pain or discomfort, has dropped in performance or had developed abnormal behaviour, physiotherapy is a none invasive method of treatment providing the optimum conditions for the animal to heal naturally and efficiently.