What are shockwaves?
In human medicine, shockwave therapy has been used for over 25
years to treat a number of urologic and orthopedic conditions.
Shockwaves are high frequency sound waves focused into tissue by a
special probe to stimulate the cells of the area into a state of
high level production of healing compounds. Thus, a lasting
healing response is achieved without any side-effects. This
is exciting news for the treatment of major lower leg injuries to
horses, which have delayed healing times due to the reduced
capacity for circulation of the tendons and bones.
How is shockwave
treatment performed?
First, a veterinarian must determine
the exact source of the pain. Sedation is required for
application of the shockwaves, which takes no more than 20 minutes
per site. Most horses require a series of one to three treatments,
each one administered about 2-3 weeks apart.
What injuries will benefit from
Shockwave Therapy?
Since shockwave therapy uses the
passage of sound waves through tissue, it is beleived that any injury
clearly identifiable on an ultrasound scan will
potentially respond well to shockwave therapy.
