Shock Wave Therapy

Over the span of and equine athletes career, the risk of injury is ever present. Stress and trauma can cause a multitude of damage to soft tissue or bone. As a result of an injury, many times a bone spur may occur. In an effort to reverse or prevent further damage caused by these bony projections, the use of shock wave therapy has been implemented into the equine industry.

Bone spurs are found radiographically and are symptoms of damage, not disease themselves. They are classified as either Osteophytes or Enthesiophytes. An Osteophyte is visible on a radiograph. It occurs at the area of the joint where the articular cartilage blends into the bone. An Enthesiophyte effects the attachment of the joint capsule or ligaments around the joint. It exists at the insertion of the joint capsules, tendons and ligaments. The radiographic changes present represent the tearing of fibers that attach these soft tissue structures to the bone.

Extracorporeal means outside the body. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a non invasive way to perform some surgical procedures without having the risk of internal surgery. This is extremely beneficial for horses. Shock wave therapy originated and has been used extensively in removing renal calculi (kidney stones) in humans. A shock wave unit is basically a box that generates acoustic waves to a wand. A shock wave unit is basically a box that generates acoustic waves to a wand. It sends high energy acoustic pules, much like sound waves, through the body. These pules pass readily though soft tissue to effect hardened material such as mineralized deposits or bone.

An equine athlete diagnosed with bone spurs is lightly anesthetized. The purpose is solely to keep the horse from moving in order to accurately direct the pulses to the correct location.  The treatment location is shaved to improve contact. A coupling or contact gel is placed on the skin. The session lasts only minutes and there is no pain involved. All that is heard is low level clicking noise. Many veterinarians recommend two days of rest following each treatment.

Shock wave unit penetration ranges are: 5 mm, 20 mm, 35 mm and 60 mm. Depth, energy and accuracy of the wave vary among manufacturers. Setting are determined based on how deep the wave must travel to reach the spur. The treatment consists of 1500-2500 pules. Treatment sessions are performed at seven to ten day intervals. Treatments range from one to five, based on severity of the injury. However, most require at least three sessions.

Following treatment, studies have shown and 80% reduction in pain. Part of this is a result of temporarily disrupting nerve impulse transmission which reduces the perception of pain. Shock wave therapy also has an anti-inflammatory action by reducing the amount of inflammatory bio-chemicals that cause pain.  By reducing bone spurs and the pain they inflict, many horses are able to return to pain free healthy condition. This allows them to return to competition without impacting their ability to perform.