Extracorporeal shock wave therapy uses short but intense energy waves to treat a variety of conditions in horses. Research and anecdotal results support its use for suspensory ligament desmitis, chronic muscle soreness (back pain) and fibrosis, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, podotrochlosis (navicular syndrome), and other conditions.
Shock waves are created by a generator and delivered via a handpiece applied to the affected area. Shock wave is performed on a sedated, standing horse, and treatments usually take 20 minutes or less. It’s usually administered in a series, with several treatments delivered at two- to three-week intervals. A lameness work-up and diagnosis is necessary prior to prescribing shock wave as a treatment.
Our portable unit is available for ambulatory calls as well as at the hospital.
