Shockwave therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy sound waves, passed through the skin, to encourage healing and help reduce pain in tendons, ligaments and bone. We use focal piezo-electric shockwave, which focuses the energy precisely on the area being treated and is generally well tolerated. It’s non-invasive, and our equipment is portable, so treatment is carried out at your yard.

What it can help with

• Tendon and ligament injuries, including suspensory ligament problems
• Back pain, including horses diagnosed with kissing spines
• Some bone-related lameness, such as sore splints and certain stress-related bone injuries

We always reach a diagnosis first, often with ultrasound or x-rays. Shockwave works best as part of a rehabilitation plan with controlled exercise, rather than on its own.

What to expect on the day

Treatment can be noisy, so most horses are given light sedation to keep them settled. The hair over the area may need clipping, gel is applied, and the treatment itself takes only a short time. Most conditions need a course of treatments spaced a few weeks apart; your vet will plan this with you.

Aftercare

Shockwave can temporarily reduce pain, so your horse may feel sounder than they are. We’ll advise on exercise between sessions and check progress before work increases.

Competition horses

Shockwave is controlled under competition rules. The FEI and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) set minimum periods between treatment and competing or racing, and other governing bodies have their own rules. Please check the current rules for your discipline, and tell us about any upcoming events when you book so we can plan treatment around them.

Book a treatment

To discuss whether shockwave could help your horse, call us on 01270 660014 or email info@tomwaltersequine.com. New to the practice? Please register with us online first.