Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy:

Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive, repeatable method of treatment without side effects. Shock wave has proven effective in the treatment of a number of conditions of lameness in the horse including suspensory ligament disease, bowed tendons, ringbone, bone spavin, bucked shins, splints, fractured splint bones, sore backs, navicular syndrome, and fractures that are not healing properly. A shock wave is an acoustic (pressure) wave. Energy is aimed at a focal point by lenses or a reflector. In shock wave therapy a total of 750 - 2000 shock waves are applied, with gradual increases in intensity. The therapy takes about 20 minutes and is repeated two to three times at intervals of three to six weeks, depending on the diagnosis and the healing process. Slight sedation has proved useful to calm the horse. Following treatments, horses experience a period of analgesia. It is important that they remain on a decreased level of activity for five to seven days. Prior to starting shock wave therapy, a thorough lameness evaluation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the lameness and the treatment options.