Our Stillwater veterinarians use shockwave therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for horses experiencing painful medical conditions.

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Extracorporeal Shockwaves for Horses

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapy that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in wounds, ligaments, tendons, and bone structures.

This treatment can also increase blood flow, increases the growth of new blood vessels, and increases the production of natural healing factors to the area being treated.

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical procedure that helps to initiate the body's natural healing response, reducing pain and improving mobility. 

Shock Wave Therapy, Stillwater Veterinarians

The Shockwave Therapy Process

ESWT may be done at the time of a surgical procedure or separate therapy appointments.

As the treatment process involves loud noises and could cause pain, horses are sedated for the duration of their Shockwave Therapy. These treatments last no longer than 30 minutes.

Animals typically feel pain relief about 24 hours after ESWT but may require other types of pain control as well, depending on the severity of the condition they are being treated for.

Our vets often recommend integrating other rehabilitative therapies to help horses regain mobility and health.

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Horses

When we use shockwave therapy on your horse, it can help reduce inflammation and pain while promoting healing. It can be especially effective where ligaments attach to bone or where there is an arthritis problem.  ESWT has been used successfully to treat:

  • Bowed tendons
  • Suspensory ligament injuries
  • Stress fractures
  • Splint bone fractures
  • Sacro-iliac conditions (Hunter Bumps)
  • Navicular syndrome
  • Vertebral spinal pain/kissing spine
  • Bone spavin
  • Back pain
  • Bucked shins

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