Shockwave Therapy
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, also known as Shockwave Therapy, is used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions in both humans and animals.
It is a highly effective non-surgical and non-invasive therapeutic option!
Its main advantages are the rapid relief of pain and the restoration of mobility. Without the need for pain-relieving medications, shockwave therapy is an ideal treatment for accelerating recovery and treating various conditions that cause acute or chronic pain.
What is it?
The Shockwave device produces a shock wave that delivers high energy to painful points and musculoskeletal tissues with subacute and chronic conditions. This energy promotes the regeneration and repair processes in bones, tendons, and other soft tissues.
How does it work?
- Causing controlled micro-trauma in the application area, leading to the formation of new blood vessels (revascularization).
- Activation of the body’s natural healing process.
- Increase blood flow and immediate pain relief.
- Improvement of healing and reduction of scar tissue formation in tendons and ligaments.
- Synergistic action with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).
Why should I choose Shockwave Therapy?
Simple and safe application
- Non-invasive, without general anaesthesia, without drugs, without recovery period.
- Effective for all levels of horse activity and training.
- It is an excellent choice for owners who wish to avoid injections or for horses that do not tolerate needle punctures easily.
- Reduces the use of drugs and repeated administration of cortisone.
Most horses readily accept shockwave ultrasound treatments. However, the use of a small dose of sedative is often recommended to ensure a reduction in the horse’s movement and the smooth completion of the therapy.
The therapy is performed in a standing position in the stable and lasts 10-20 minutes. Clinical improvement is expected shortly after treatment.
Number of Sessions
The number of sessions depends on the type and severity of the pathological condition, as well as the body’s response.
On average, 3-5 sessions are sufficient to treat even chronic painful conditions.
Examples of applications of Shockwave Therapy in human medicine
- Tendonitis of the shoulder
- Epicondylitis
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Patellar Tendonitis or “Jumper’s Knee”
- Tibial periostitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Muscle pain in the back
Examples of applications in Equine Orthopaedics
- Osteoarthritis
- Navicular Syndrome
- Pain in the hypochondrium
- Fractures
- Bucked Shin Complex
- Tendinopathies and Ligamentopathies e.g. ‘Proximal Suspensory Desmitis’
- Impingement of the dorsal spinous processes (‘Kissing Spine’)
- Wounds showing delayed healing
- Although the use of Shockwave Therapy is considered beneficial, it should be emphasized that the selection of the wrong protocol (intensity and duration of pulses), its use in sensitive anatomical structures (such as along the course of large nerves), and in specific pathological conditions (cancer, infections) or with incorrect equipment can lead to serious complications.
At Hippiatric Care, the treatments are performed with a machine designed for horses and the user has been trained in the correct and safe use of it, so that they can safely manage the peculiarities of each case.
