Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, commonly referred to as shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment used in selected equine musculoskeletal conditions.
BOOK A VET
At Racetrack Veterinary Services, shockwave therapy may be incorporated into an individual treatment and rehabilitation plan for horses with certain tendon, ligament, bone or soft tissue injuries.
It is most effective when used as part of a broader veterinary assessment rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic pressure waves that are directed into a targeted area of the body.
These waves are delivered through a handheld applicator placed against the skin over the area being treated.
The treatment is designed to stimulate biological responses within tissues and may be used to support healing, reduce pain and improve function in selected conditions.
Shockwave therapy may be considered for conditions such as:
Every injury is different. Treatment recommendations depend on veterinary findings and the horse’s individual circumstances.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used in the management of some tendon and ligament injuries, particularly where healing has been slow or where there is a chronic component to the injury.
Depending on the case, it may be used alongside controlled exercise, rest, rehabilitation, ultrasound monitoring, medication, and other regenerative or supportive treatments.
Repeat ultrasound examination may be recommended to monitor healing and guide return-to-work decisions.
Suspensory ligament injuries can be difficult to manage and often require a structured rehabilitation plan.
Shockwave therapy may be considered in selected cases, particularly where there is chronic or insertional injury.
Treatment is usually combined with controlled exercise, repeat clinical assessment and imaging where appropriate.
Shockwave therapy may also be considered for selected bone-related conditions, back or pelvic pain syndromes, chronic soft tissue injuries and ongoing musculoskeletal pain where other treatments have been insufficient.
A veterinary diagnosis is needed to determine whether it is appropriate for the individual horse.
The horse is examined first so the area requiring treatment can be clearly identified. The treatment process is then tailored to the condition being managed.
The horse is examined so the target area can be identified and the treatment plan confirmed.
The skin over the area may be clipped if necessary, and a coupling gel is applied to help transmit the shockwaves.
The applicator is positioned over the target area and a series of controlled acoustic pulses are delivered.
Sedation may be used in some horses to ensure the treatment can be performed safely and accurately. The number of pulses and treatment settings depend on the condition being treated.
The number of treatments varies depending on the diagnosis and the horse’s response. Some horses may require a series of treatments spaced over several weeks.
Our team of veterinarians will recommend an appropriate treatment schedule based on the condition being managed and any follow-up findings.
Shockwave therapy is usually most useful when incorporated into a broader rehabilitation plan.
This may include:
The horse’s response to treatment should be reassessed before exercise is significantly increased.
Racetrack Veterinary Services regularly manages musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses and performance horses.
Shockwave therapy may be considered as part of treatment for selected injuries where the aim is to support healing and assist a structured return to work.
Because competition and racing rules may restrict the timing of shockwave treatment before an event, owners and trainers should discuss treatment timing with our team of veterinarians.
Shockwave therapy can have a temporary analgesic effect, which is one reason treatment timing must be carefully managed in competition and racing horses.
For this reason, horses should not simply be returned to full work because they appear more comfortable after treatment.
Clinical examination, imaging findings and the underlying injury must still guide the rehabilitation plan.
Some horses may find the treatment uncomfortable, particularly over sensitive areas.
Sedation is often used where necessary so the procedure can be performed safely and accurately.
It may be used for selected tendon, ligament, bone and soft tissue conditions. It is not suitable for every injury, so a veterinary diagnosis is required first.
Treatment time varies depending on the area and condition, but shockwave therapy itself is generally relatively quick.
Possibly. Sedation may be recommended depending on the horse, the treatment area and the level of sensitivity.
This depends on the injury. Some horses require a course of several treatments, while others may need fewer.
Yes. It is often used alongside rehabilitation, medication, imaging, farriery and other treatment modalities.
This depends on the condition being treated and the horse’s rehabilitation plan. Our team of veterinarians will provide specific exercise instructions.
It may be suitable in selected cases, but treatment timing must comply with relevant racing rules and withholding periods.
Need advice specific to your horse? Contact our veterinary team.
If your horse has a tendon, ligament or other musculoskeletal injury, Racetrack Veterinary Services can assess whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate as part of their treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Our team of veterinarians can combine shockwave treatment with diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation planning and ongoing reassessment to help guide recovery and return to work.
BOOK A VET ☎ 03 5975 6586
