Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. It consists of a series of high-energy concussions or mechanical pulses, delivered by a hand-help applicator, to an area of bone or soft tissue. Extra-corpeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) delivers focused energy to a certain depth whereas radial pulse wave therapy (RPWT) delivers increased pressure waves to more superficial structures. In both treatments, pulses travel through the tissue being treated to improve blood circulation and tissue metabolism, and to decrease local pain.
The most common uses for this therapy in equine medicine include conditions such as splints, bucked shins, navicular syndrome, sore feet, sesamoiditis, certain fractures, arthritis, suspensory ligament disease, and neck and back pain.
Horses are generally lightly to heavily sedated for the procedure, depending on the whether ECSWT or RPWT is used, the condition being treated, and the individual horse’s reaction. Treatment typically lasts anywhere from 5-10 minutes and is repeated every 7 days for 3 treatments, but this can vary depending on the condition.
