Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave Therapy?
A shockwave is an acoustic (pressure) wave with very high amplitude used to manage musculoskeletal injuries in animals and humans. The shockwave transfers energy to tissue at a focal point. This energy transfer is thought to enhance the formation of blood vessels which can improve healing. In the horse, shockwave appears to be most effective at the bone-tendon-ligament junction.
Recently, studies have shown that the use of shockwave can enhance healing of wounds, particularly of the lower limb
Shockwave should be utilised as part of a graded exercise program and is typically used every 2-3 weeks for 3-6 consecutive treatments. We have a package available for horses that require multiple treatments, particularly for horses with injuries to the suspensory ligament or collateral ligaments.
Areas commonly treated with shockwave in the horse include:
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Proximal suspensory ligament
Suspensory ligament branches
Facet joints of the neck and back
Collateral ligaments of the coffin, pastern, fetlock, hock and carpus joints
Splints
Sesamoiditis