Shockwave Therapy

The New Wave in Equine Lameness

Abraham's Equine Clinic has purchased the HMT Versa Tron Shock Wave equipment. Shock Wave therapy was introduced in the United States 8 years ago for equine use. This technology has been used for over 20 years in humans to treat kidney stones and chronic orthopedic conditions.

Shock Wave therapy is a non-invasive procedure and successful where conventional therapies fail. Shock Waves are not electrical but they are high energy sound waves. These high energy sound waves can easily pass through fluid filled structures like skin, fat, and muscle. These waves do not pass through tendons, ligaments or bone. When the sound waves hit these structures they “crash” and release energy. The released energy penetrates the surrounding tissue and increases blood flow to the area. This stimulates various cells which are responsible for tissue repair of the injured structures. Shock Wave not only promotes and speeds up the healing process, but ultimately causes various soft tissue injuries to heal more thoroughly with less fibrous tissue accumulation.

After a full diagnostic lameness workup, the veterinarian determines if Shock Wave is beneficial to the condition. Shock wave therapy is performed on an out patient procedure. The horse is mildly sedated and the treatment is performed standing. Treatment usually takes 15-20 minutes and the horse is released when the sedation wears off. Follow up treatments may be required and should be discussed with the veterinarian.

Shock Wave Therapy is recommended, but not limited to, the following conditions:

• Inflammation, strains, or tears of tendons and ligaments
• Stress and non-union fractures
• Navicular syndrome
• Back pain associated with muscle soreness or kissing spine disease
• Inflamed joints, bone or soft tissue (i.e. DJD, Bursitis)