Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has become a widely used treatment modality in equine sports medicine. This non-invasive therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in musculoskeletal tissues.
How Shockwave Works
Shockwave therapy delivers focused acoustic energy to targeted tissues. This energy stimulates biological responses including increased blood flow, release of growth factors, and activation of cellular repair mechanisms. The treatment promotes healing at the tissue level.
Common Indications
- Suspensory ligament desmitis — proximal, body, and branch injuries
- Tendinitis — superficial and deep digital flexor tendons
- Stress fractures — particularly dorsal metacarpal disease (bucked shins)
- Insertional desmopathies — ligament attachment inflammation
- Back pain — thoracolumbar and sacroiliac soreness
- Navicular syndrome — as part of multimodal management
Treatment Protocol
Treatment typically involves 3-5 sessions spaced 2-3 weeks apart. The horse is sedated for comfort, and the shockwave unit is applied to the affected area. Each session takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
An important consideration: shockwave therapy has an analgesic effect that can last several days. Because of this, competition regulations typically require a withdrawal period following treatment.
Integration with Other Therapies
Shockwave is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is often combined with controlled exercise, regenerative therapies (PRP, stem cells), and appropriate rest periods. The treating veterinarian will design a protocol that integrates shockwave with other modalities for optimal results.
What to Expect
Most horses tolerate shockwave therapy well with mild sedation. Some localized swelling or sensitivity may occur following treatment, which typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Improvement in clinical signs is usually assessed after the full course of treatment rather than after a single session.