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The Basics and Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy for Horses.

By PHOEBE BROWN

Originally published in The Plaid Horse. Reprinted with permission.

Horses carry the dreams, hopes, and goals of equestrians in all disciplines. Riders, owners, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, and countless others work hard to put horse welfare first. In the equine industry, various modalities are used to maintain the health and well-being of horses, including shock wave therapy.

The term shock wave is a bit of a misnomer because there is no shock delivered. The goal of any treatment is to reduce pain and improve how horses feel and heal. However, while many therapies appear similar to shock wave, they are all vastly different.

While shock wave therapy offers many health and healing benefits to horses, PulseVet’s Director of Client Education, Trudy Gage, says, “Not all shock wave is the same, and not all shock wave is created equal. Find one that is made in the U.S. and backed by science.”

Understanding shock wave therapy and where to find licensed veterinarians providing this treatment are added tools in the horse welfare toolbox.

SHOCK WAVE THERAPY BASICS

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), shock wave therapy for horses, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a noninvasive treatment option which sound waves directly to the treatment area through the trode. Typically, there are several trode sizes that penetrate different depths of tissue. This gives the veterinarians the ability to treat various indications from superficial injuries to deep injuries of the muscles, joints, or even the spine.

Because of the high-energy treatments and immediate pain relief offered, only licensed veterinarians should prescribe treatment. Be aware of anyone claiming to provide a shock wave treatment who is not a veterinarian.

Check with your governing body regarding regulations on shock wave therapy treatments before and during competition.

uses sound waves to promote the healing of joints, ligaments, tendons, and wounds.

It is completely noninvasive. Instead of going straight to invasive procedures, such as injections, licensed veterinarians can deliver a safe and effective treatment that helps the horse’s body regenerate healthy tissue to promote healing from within, shock wave treatment has no negative side effects.

“Protect your horse and your pocketbook. Know what you’re paying for because the results will not be the same if you go with an unproven, not covered treatment.”

—Trudy Gage, Director of Client Education

The goals of shock wave therapy include increasing blood flow, improving the growth of new blood vessels, providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healing environment in the treated area.

HOW SHOCK WAVE THERAPY WORKS

Shock wave treatment is provided using a machine that has a trode attached to a generator unit. The unit sends the

CONDITIONS TREATED BY SHOCK WAVE THERAPY

This type of therapy can be used for acute injuries, chronic conditions, and as a prophylactic for general wellness.

Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of shock wave therapy. Many common equine conditions (acute or chronic) benefit from shock wave therapy, including: • Tendonitis • Ligament injuries and inflammation • Osteoarthritis • Fractures and bone injuries • Navicular disease

• Muscle pain • Wounds

Shock wave therapy can also be used to help avoid injury, maintain elasticity in tendons and ligaments, and promote overall wellness.

In fact, PulseVet is the official shock wave therapy provider for the US Equestrian Team Vets, the NCHA, NRCHA, NSBA, and Super Sires.

THE PULSEVET SHOCK WAVE DIFFERENCE

PulseVet uses electrohydraulic-focused shock waves to deliver treatments that can reach tissue depths up to 110 millimeters, offering effective anti-inflammatory benefits, regenerative healing to spinal joints and deep muscles.

While therapies utilizing light waves can help with healing, the light is dispersed across a superficial area and cannot penetrate deep tissue. Gage describes the effect like this: “When a light is shined into a pool at night, it does not reach the bottom and dissipates quickly. However, a sound made underwater at one end of the pool can be heard at the opposite side clearly. Water (and tissue) carries sound waves effectively.”

Because PulseVet’s studied and proven electrohydraulic-focused shock waves can treat noninvasively and effectively, veterinarians only need to treat horses between one and three times, with treatments spaced out in 14 day intervals.

PULSEVET BENEFITS

The healing effects of PulseVet’s therapies include: • 90% success in treating chronic back pain and kissing spines • Faster healing of tendon/ligament injuries • 81% improvement in horses with navicular syndrome • 50% faster healing of collateral ligament injuries Additionally, PulseVet treatments offer: • One to three treatments for full healing • An average treatment is 1000 pulses, which takes less than 5 minutes to complete • Energy penetration of up to 110mm in the body

Dr. Molly Bellefeuille treating a horse’s back.

PulseVet’s shock wave treatments are generally included as a fully covered therapy with equine insurance.

With results lasting several months and insurance covering the cost, shock wave therapy is a trusted, cost-effective treatment.

As Gage says, “Protect your horse and your pocketbook. Know what you’re paying for because the results will not be the same if you go with an unproven, not covered treatment.”

USING PULSEVET TO GAIN GREATER HEALING

PulseVet’s products are made in the USA with quality materials. If a repair is needed, veterinarians can count on PulseVet to address and solve the issue promptly.

PulseVet also offers a Vet Locator online to find licensed veterinarians in their area who provide this type of treatment.

Shock wave therapy helps promote healing naturally within the body, slowing the progression of arthritis, and bringing in the good proteins to aid in cells talking to each other. Horses carry more than riders; they carry hopes, dreams, and joy. Keeping them healthy and pain-free is an important job that takes a team of dedicated people. Learn more about how PulseVet starts the healing process by contacting a PulseVet representative today at (800) 245-4417 or info@pulsevet.com.

Read more about the research at: www.pulsevet.com/research/equine.