Is acoustic wave therapy beneficial for equine healing? Evidence suggests it can be highly effective. Dr. Ross Smith, a renowned USA veterinarian, joined a webinar with four other veterinarians to discuss their use of shockwave therapy in treating equine athletes. Specifically, we asked Dr. Smith to provide insights on shockwave therapy and its suitability for treating various conditions in horses.
How does shockwave therapy work for horses?
Shockwave therapy for horses uses acoustic waves to stimulate tissue repair and promote healing. As these waves pass through cells, they induce stress, prompting the release of healing proteins. Accordingly, this process increases localized blood flow, reduces inflammation, accelerates bone growth, and releases muscle tension, providing short-term pain relief.
How is shockwave therapy different from laser therapy?
Shockwave and laser therapies are both used in equine medicine but work differently and target distinct aspects of healing:
Mechanism of Action:
Shockwave Therapy uses acoustic waves delivered through a specialized device. These high-energy pulses create controlled microtrauma, stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with cells. The light energy is absorbed by the cells, leading to biochemical changes that reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Targeted Conditions:
Shockwave Therapy treats musculoskeletal conditions like tendon and ligament injuries, muscle strains, and certain bone conditions.
Laser Therapy manages various conditions, including wound healing, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries.
Treatment Depth:
Shockwave therapy penetrates deeper into tissues, making it effective for conditions that require deeper stimulation.
Laser therapy has a more superficial penetration depth, suitable for surface-level issues.
Treatment Duration:
Shockwave therapy sessions may last several minutes.
Laser therapy sessions are usually shorter, often taking only a few minutes.
Both therapies have demonstrated positive results in equine medicine. Their specific applications depend on the type and severity of the horse’s condition. Veterinarians may recommend one or a combination of these therapies based on the horse’s needs and desired outcomes.
Share with us your most extraordinary case
One notable case involves a young event horse with issues in the poll region. The gelding displayed avoidance behavior and struggled with steady contact in the bridle, leading to poor dressage scores. Radiographs revealed significant bony remodeling at the external occipital protuberance of the poll. Despite no notable bursitis on ultrasound, we learned of a successful approach in Europe using shockwave therapy for this condition. Although concerned about the horse’s tolerance, we proceeded with the non-invasive procedure, which was well-tolerated. Since this success, we’ve used shockwave therapy on this region for 15 years, achieving positive outcomes in similar cases.
What do you think of the prospect of shockwave treatment for horses?
Shockwave Therapy offers a valuable alternative for equine rehabilitation and performance enhancement. As technology advances and treatment protocols evolve, we can anticipate even greater success in optimizing the well-being and performance of our equine companions, making Shockwave Therapy a pivotal component of modern equine medicine.