Promote a Natural Healing Process
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive therapy that employs sound waves to promote wound, ligament, tendon, and bone structure healing. This therapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including navicular syndrome, suspensory ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis.
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical procedure that helps to initiate the body's natural healing response, reducing pain and improving mobility. The shock waves are delivered through a handheld device that is placed on the affected area, and the energy from the waves stimulates blood flow and promotes tissue regeneration.
At Equine Surgery & Medicine, horses are often sedated for the session, and treatments last no longer than about 30 minutes.
When Can Shockwave Therapy Be Done?
Shockwave therapy may be done at the time of a surgical procedure or at separate therapy appointments.
As the treatment process involves loud noises and could cause pain, horses are sedated for shockwave therapy.
Horses typically feel pain relief in about 24 hours after therapy is completed, but may still require other types of pain control as well. This will depend heavily on the severity of the condition they are being treated for.
Our veterinarians often recommend integrating other rehabilitative therapies to help horses regain mobility and health as effectively as possible.
How Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation, leading to reduced pain as it promotes healing. It can be especially effective where ligaments attach to bone or where there is arthritis. Shockwave therapy has been used successfully to treat:
- Bowed tendons
- Suspensory ligament injuries
- Stress fractures
- Splint bone fractures
- Bucked shins
- Navicular syndrome
- Vertebral spinal pain/kissing spine
- Bone spavin
- Back pain
- Sacro-iliac conditions