Bursal Strains & Injuries
A bursal is an isolated fluid-filled sac. Some occur naturally at potential pressure points (e.g. point of hock) whereas others are acquired due to repetitive low grade trauma.
Bursal strains in horses occurs when damage to the bursae (sacs) around bony areas causes an over-production of the lubricating synovial fluid contained within the joints, and this shows as soft swelling or a bursal enlargement.
Bursal strains can cause;
- Bog spavins
- Wingalls
- Thoroughpins
They are not very serious but may, at the onset, be painful and cause lameness.
Treatment includes rest, cold hosing and massage. Capped hocks, elbows and knees are injuries caused by bursal strains and are often painless, although treatment is often advisable.
Can Niagara Equissage help with bursal strains?
Niagara Equissage can help considerably with all bursal strains and injuries.
Application
For Bog Spavins, please refer to the Bog Spavins page.
For Windgalls treatment, targeted daily use of the Hand Unit or use of the Tendon Boot, ideally in conjunction with the Back Pad, will keep the fluid up under control. The setting for the Hand Unit should be higher rather than lower so as to really move the fluid out of the joint capsule or tendon sheath as the case may be; a 5-10 minute treatment will be sufficient. If using the Hand Unit, try and keep it still rather than moving it around.
For thoroughpins, the Hand Unit should be used daily as part of the management routine on and around the site of the swelling for 5-10 minutes on a medium to high speed. As with other bursal swellings, try to avoid constantly moving the Hand Unit around.

Testimonials
See All- “We have used our Niagara Equissage for over two years for a wide variety of injuries, and noticed improvement, and in some cases remarkable improvement in our rehab program. In one instance, there was a very dramatic reduction in the healing time of a fused hock. In another, the healing of a splaced tuber coxae, i.e. “dropped hip”, was considerably improved. Horses acclimate quickly to the treatment and appear to enjoy it.”
- The circulatory benefits I see from the Back Pad creates an essential foundation of muscle relaxation on which to work. TheHand Unit is very efficient in targeting specific areas prior to addressing muscle/soft tissue problems such as trigger or stress points. Niagara Equissage is an important partner in my work to achieve performance improvement for my clients.
- NRHA Hall of Fame
“I have found many benefits of Niagara Equissage. Using it daily during competition keeps my horses feeling good and doing their best. Another benefit of Niagara Equissage is the improved healing time of injuries by using the Back Pad and the Leg Boot.”