Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a new technology for treating equine musculoskeletal problems, soft-tissue injuries, and bone injuries. ESWT is a non-invasive modality used to stimulate healing to aid in returning horses to work more quickly.
ESWT works from outside the body (extracorporeal). The machine generates high-intensity shock or pressure waves, which pulse into the injured tissue. Though its actual mode of action is still in dispute, it stimulates and accelerates the healing process, while also reducing swelling and pain. This technology has become very useful for the management of bone, ligament and tendon injuries.
Shockwave therapy is useful for a number of conditions causing lameness in the horse. These conditions include:
- Suspensory ligament injury
- Bowed tendons
- Ringbone
- Bone spavin
- Bucked shins
- Splints
- Fractured splint bones
- Sore backs
- Navicular syndrome