Last Updated on July 24, 2022
Shockwave therapy for horses can be a great form of treatment for horses with various injuries and conditions. It has become a common form of treatment that can be very beneficial for horses. However, it is not practical for all cases and it can be expensive.
Shockwave therapy is safe and effective and is commonly used on racehorses and sport horses. It is non-invasive and well-tolerated by horses, making it a great option for treatment. It can be given to horses by veterinarians and is usually given over a course of treatments.
What Is Shockwave Therapy For Horses?
Shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Technology (ESWT), uses powerful sound ways to treat various injuries and ailments. Extracorporeal shockwave machines are used by veterinarians to administer the treatment to horses.
Shockwave therapy comes from emerging new technology and is non-invasive, making it a great option for treating horses. It is safe to use and can make a big difference in the treatment of injuries.
Read more about What Is Cellulitis In Horse Legs?
How Does Shockwave Therapy For Horses Work?
Shock wave therapy uses a high-energy, focused pressure wave that is administered to a specific location on the horse. The process results in biological changes in the tissues that are being treated.
It works to stimulate the release of proteins that are associated with the healing process. In addition, it also works at regulating inflammation as well as providing pain relief. It increases blood flow which increases the growth of new blood vessels, increasing the production of natural healing factors.
A veterinarian may sedate the horse as they use an extracorporeal shockwave machine to perform the treatment. In most cases, the treatment session will last for about 30 minutes.
What Is Shockwave Therapy Used To Treat Horses?
Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of different issues in horses. It is used for treating injuries to muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone. In addition, it can also alleviate pain in the areas of the back and the poll, as well as help, heal large or slow to heal wounds.
Such issues that can benefit from shockwave therapy include bowed tendons, suspensory ligament injuries, split bone fractures, stress fractures, arthritis, and bone spavin. In addition, it can also help with navicular syndrome, kissing spine, sacroiliac conditions, back pain, and bucked shins.
Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy For Horses
Many horses will experience benefits from the use of shockwave therapy. It can result in quicker healing from injuries and reduced pain. In addition, horses will be able to return to exercise quicker with the use of shockwave therapy.
A study shows that researchers reported that 79% of horses diagnosed with bone spavin had an improved lameness score after completing shockwave therapy. In a different study, researchers found successful improvement in 80% of horses with chronic suspensory disease after just three shockwave therapy sessions.
How Much Does Shockwave Therapy Cost?
In most cases, shockwave therapy is charged by the individual pulses (waves). In one session, a horse generally receives between 1,000 to 1,500 pulses. Most veterinarians will charge between 30 to 40 cents per pulse, meaning one session will generally cost between $300 to $600.
Some equine insurances will cover the cost of shockwave therapy. Your veterinarian will determine if shockwave therapy is right for your individual horse. Though it can be most beneficial for racehorses and show horses, any horse can benefit from the treatment.
How Often Is Shockwave Therapy For Horses Given?
Shockwave therapy is generally given in a course of three to five treatments. Sessions are generally performed every one to two weeks and will last for about 30 minutes per session.
Though the procedure is non-invasive and not painful, horses are often given sedation in order for them to stay still, as some do not like the feel of the probe. The area receiving treatment may be shaved and gel is usually applied to improve contact of the probe.
Controlled exercise is oftentimes recommended between treatment sessions, however, no bandaging is required. Though it is not known for sure how long the pain relief effects of the shockwave last, it is thought to be between 48 to 72 hours after the session. Multiple courses of treatment may be required, however, there is no set recommended treatment interval.
Click Here: What Surrounds The Cauda Equina?
Can Shockwave Therapy Be Given Before Horse Shows?
Shockwave therapy can not be given to horses competing with FEI or BHA five days prior to competition. This is due to the fact that shockwave therapy provides pain relief. The pain relief treatment can mask an injury in a horse, which can result in a horse competing while injured, further risking the severity of the injury.
Shockwave Therapy Treatment For Horses
Shockwave therapy can be beneficial for treating injuries to muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone. In addition, it can also be beneficial for providing pain relief in the areas of the back and the poll as well as to help heal large or slow to heal wounds.
Do you have any questions regarding shockwave therapy for horses? If so, please ask any questions regarding the benefits of shockwave therapy for horses in the comments.
FAQ’s
What Does a Shock Wave Do for Horses?
Shockwave therapy works to stimulate the release of proteins that are connected with the healing process. In addition, it also works at regulating inflammation and providing pain relief to horses. It increases blood flow which increases the growth of new blood vessels, which in return increases the production of natural healing factors.
How Quickly Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Horses can experience pain relief the same day as the shockwave therapy, with the pain relief generally lasting for 48 to 72 hours after the session. Injuries can see improvements within seven to 10 days of the treatment.
How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Last?
A session of shockwave therapy lasts for 30 minutes. Pain relief from shockwave therapy lasts for 48 to 72 hours after the session. It can also help speed up the healing process for different injuries and ailments.
Is Shockwave Therapy for ED Painful?
Shockwave therapy is not painful for the patient. Some horses may be sedated, as they may not like the feeling of the probe and gel. In addition, sedation also prevents the horse from moving around during treatment.
