Bone Bruises/Fractures

Bone Bruise & Fracture Protocol

Protocol:

Begin with the Basics Course to learn proper tape handling, stretch, and technique. For bone bruises and fractures, use the Applications Library for Support application specific to the affected area (e.g., Lower Leg Injuries Application for limb injuries, Sacroiliac (SI) Support for pelvis/hip, or custom support for ribs, scapula, etc.). For acute cases with swelling, combine the Support application with the Circulation application to enhance healing, decrease swelling, and support tissue recovery. For fractures, always follow strict veterinary guidance and use taping as an adjunct to medical stabilization and inflammation reduction—not as a replacement for splinting, bandaging, or surgical repair. After the fracture has remodeled, use the Fascia Chain application to address damage to the fascia line associated with the affected area.

Tape Type:

• 2-Way - 3" (for Circulation applications or larger areas/breeds)

• 4-Way - 2” (recommended for joint support applications)

When to Use:

• For horses diagnosed with bone bruises or stable (or surgically stabilized), healing fractures (always after veterinary assessment and with veterinary clearance for taping)

• As part of a recovery or rehabilitation plan alongside veterinary care, controlled exercise, and proper nutrition

• To support the affected area, reduce swelling, decrease pain, and promote circulation for tissue and bone healing

How Long to Tape:

• For bone bruises, use until all signs of pain, swelling, and heat have resolved (typically several weeks); re-evaluate every 7–10 days.

• For fractures, use as a supportive and anti-inflammatory adjunct during the healing phase, as directed and approved by your veterinarian. Taping can be used with casting or any other stabilization, and directly after surgery. Repeat application at each cast change, or if braced but not cast, every 10–14 days. Use the Circulation application until all inflammation has subsided.

• Reapply the applications when the tape loses its recoil, becomes loose, or collects debris underneath.

For Chronic Cases:

For ongoing soreness or slow-healing bone bruises, continue the Support and Circulation applications as needed, and coordinate with your veterinarian for ongoing assessment and imaging if recovery stalls. Adding in the Fascia Chain application can drastically improve healing.

Bone Bruise & Fracture Management Note:

• For fractures, always prioritize veterinary stabilization (splinting, casting, or surgical repair, as indicated). However, taping is also extremely effective at speeding recovery and reducing pain, thereby helping your horse get off pharmaceuticals faster.

• Always follow your veterinarian's advice. However, studies have shown that horses lose bone mass and experience muscle atrophy within 72 hours of stall confinement. Our suggestion is to get them out of a stall as quickly as possible or avoid the stall altogether.

• Maintain optimal nutrition, including adequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and protein, to support bone healing.

• Monitor for signs of infection, delayed healing, or secondary complications.

• Taping should never replace standard fracture management.

• Once the fracture has remodeled or the bone bruise has healed, use the Fascia Chain application to heal the affected fascia line for complete rehabilitation and as a preventative measure for all other anatomical structures along the fascia line.

Clinical Reasoning:

This protocol increases circulation and lymphatic flow to the injured area, supports soft tissue healing, and helps reduce swelling and pain. The Support application provides gentle, non-restrictive stability to the affected region, while the Circulation application enhances tissue and bone recovery. Taping is always adjunctive—never a substitute for medical stabilization or surgical care in cases of fracture. The Fascia Chain application is used post-remodeling to restore fascia health and prevent long-term dysfunction along the associated fascia line.