Two forms of shockwave exist , radial and focussed. Both work on the same basic idea but are delivered slightly differently. Although opinions have varied over time, it is generally accepted that there is no significant difference in outcome between either method. The precise action of the sound energy is not absolutely clear but its effect is thought to be based on the stretching, without damaging of the individual cells in the region being treated, thereby, stimulating the natural healing process.
How is Shockwave Therapy administered?
Horses are usually treated under standing sedation.
The machine has a probe which is placed on the area to be treated and gel is applied to the skin to achieve good acoustic contact (air being a good insulator for sound, funnily enough) The sound energy is delivered in packets called “shocks” and the amount of energy in each shock can be determined by the user. The number of shocks used and the energy level for each shock will depend on the condition being treated and location on the horse.
A typical treatment will be between 500 and 1500 shocks and one to three treatments will normally be given with 1 -2 week intervals between treatments.
What conditions can be treated with Shockwave?
- Suspensory ligament injuries, either origin or branch lesions
- Sacro-iliac disease
- Kissing spine s and some other Back Problems
- Some Splints
What are the side effects of Shockwave?
There is a well recognised pain-relieving effec t of shockwave treatment, while most wouldn’t consider this an adverse side effect, it can lead to accidental or deliberate over-use of a damaged structure in the horse that might lead to a worse than original injury. Eg. If a mild suspensory injury is treated and the horse is either turned out to grass or even worse worked normally, the originally mildly damaged ligament might become a more severely injured one.
The use of Shockwave during the acute inflammatory period is contra-indicated. The use of shockwave is designed to stimulate the healing process which occurs after the initial phase of inflammation has resolved. Therefore, most shockwave treatments won’t begin within the first month after injury, to allow the inflammatory phase to resolve.
Shockwave is not advised in cases of bone fracture.
What are the costs of Shockwave Therapy?
Please speak to the Equine clinic regarding costs of the Therapy
In addition there will be the costs of sedation.
