Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been adapted from human medicine for use in horses. It has gained popularity in equine sports medicine due to its effectiveness in promoting healing and managing certain orthopaedic and soft tissue injuries.

Here are some key points about shockwave therapy in equine practice:

Can be used for:

• High Suspensory Ligament Injuries: Shockwave therapy has shown excellent success in improving the prognosis of high suspensory ligament injuries.
• Back Problems: It can be used to treat back problems.
• Splints: Shockwave therapy has been beneficial for splint injuries.
• The therapy involves generating pressure waves directed toward the damaged structure using a hand-held device.

These pressure waves:

• Improve Blood Supply: Enhance blood flow to the affected area.
• Stimulate Natural Repair Mechanisms: Aid the horse’s natural healing process.
• Reduce Pain Sensation: Make nerves less sensitive to pain, providing a pain-killing effect.

Treatment Protocol:

• Typically, shockwave therapy is performed three times, with a week between each treatment.
• This can be performed at your stables; we just need electric supply.
• Ultrasound gel is applied to the area.
• The procedure itself takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Sedation is often necessary, due to the noise and sensation especially when working on hindlimbs.
• No specific aftercare is required, but food should be withheld until sedation wears off.