Cryochaps [size: FRONT MEDIUM]

CRYOCHAPS have been designed not only to help in the rehabilitation after injury and return to exercise, but more importantly, be part of an everyday cool-down routine to focus on recovery & injury prevention.

CRYOCHAPS have been developed to mimic ice bath or cold water immersion which has become part of many athlete’s recovery phase. The general theory behind this cold therapy is that the cold exposure helps to combat the micro trauma (small tears) in tissues & resultant soreness caused by intense or repetitive exercise.

The cold therapy constricts blood vessels, which flushes waste products out of the area, it also limits the inflammatory response to reduce swelling & tissue breakdown. The compression created by the Cryochaps sleeve, again helps to reduce the swelling and drives the cold deep into the tissues. It is the removal of the ice and compression that creates a rush of re-oxygenated blood to the area and this is what kick starts the healing process. CRYOCHAPS provide cold therapy & essential compression to be proactive against injury, &, to help the road to recovery.

CRYOCHAPS were designed to meet the following criteria;

Wraps are designed as a front or hind and are flexible to fit from 14hh to 18hh horses. They give a secure fit, are re-usable, easy clean, and cover all tendon & ligament structures in the lower leg, from knee/hock to hoof.

They are made in two parts, the ice gel & the compression sleeve.  Smooth material is part of the ice gel boot, it will not freeze to the leg & is simple to wash off to keep clean. The gel is made into little gel balls which provide a crunchy malleable gel, that means you can mold nicely to the leg.

Stretch Neoprene makes up the compression sleeve which provides not only a secure fit but helps compress the wrap to the leg, giving the best contact for brilliant cold transfer.

Sold as a pair.

How to apply - Youtube

Step 1 - Preparing and care of the wrap

 Before placing in the freezer, distribute the gel evenly across the wrap. Make sure to push up, away from the bottom seam to get the gel to the top too. The bottom seam has heat seal circles, they are there as a barrier against the gel coming through at the bottom, please monitor these to make sure they are intact and not being forced apart by pressure from too much gel pooling at the bottom. Ensure the wrap is dry before placing in the freezer. Place flat in the freezer @ -18 to -24 degrees for a minimum of 24 hours. With some freezers they may need longer as there is a lot of gel to freeze. Cryochaps are designed to be left in the freezer permanently.

Step 2 - Preparing the leg and application

Wet the legs so no air is present in the hair, air will impede the cold transfer, then just wrap and strap. Pictures are further down the page for exact fitting advice.

Leave for 10-15 mins and repeat if required.

It is strongly advised to have the horse cross tied and monitor the horse throughout application of Cryochaps. The wrap can be damaged by teeth and if the horse tries to get them off by flexing their legs, this can lead to excessive pressure on the wrap, which can break the seals forcing the gel through the blue material.

Cryochaps should not be used on open wounds.

Do not leave on longer than 15 min, as this could lead to skin damage.

If your horse has sensitive legs, or clipped legs, it is advisable to cover the leg before application.

Take advice from your vet before using after injury.

Step 3 - Label Markings & Wrap Orientation - HF is Front Leg. HH is Hind Leg. L means it is for a Left Leg, R is for the Right leg.

Step 4 - Wrapping the WETTED leg

 Line up the bottom of the wrap so it covers the fetlock joint adequately.

  Make sure the raised top section of the gel wrap is aligned with the back of the leg, in the middle of the knee or hock.

Wrap and Strap. Wrap around the leg and secure the straps to the Velcro.

Tighten after a minute to ensure the wrap is secure and in contact with the leg.

Remove after 10-15mins, dry off. Push the gel back up the wrap and check the heat seals at the bottom are still intact. If they are beginning to come apart you must be more proactive about pushing the gel back up the wrap. Then return to the freezer.

Care of Cryochaps - Youtube