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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has become a popular, noninvasive
method to treat equine lameness problems. A broad range of soft tissue and
orthopedic issues may be successfully treated using this modality,
including, but not limited to: osteoarthritis of the pastern (ringbone) or
hock (bone spavin), proximal suspensory, check ligament and sesamoidean
ligament desmitis, superficial and deep digital flexor tendon desmopathies,
OCD lesions, stress fractures, sore, stiff backs, gluteal muscles and
sacroiliac pain. Trigger points and acupressure points may also be
identified and
treated using this technology.
History
Extracorporeal shock waves are pressure or pulse waves created outside of
the body that are focused efficiently onto specific soft or boney tissues.
ESWT was introduced in human medicine in Germany more than 25 years ago for
the treatment of kidney stones (lithotripsy). In the 1980’s, because of
concern that shock wave to kidneys might damage nearby hip bones in people,
research into the effects of ESWT on bone began in animals. Experiments
actually demonstrated a bone building or healing effect rather than damage.
Since that time, the treatment has been used more extensively in both small
animal and equine sports medicine.
The benefits of ESWT include decreased pain, decreased healing time and
faster return to performance from ligament, tendon and bone injuries.
Research suggests that ESWT improves lameness to a greater degree than
control or Adequan treated horses.
 
Safety
Recent studies suggest that ESWT induces a period of pain relief for a
period of 4 days after treatment. For this reason, strenuous activity such
as racing should be limited for a short period of time after treatment to
avoid further injury. Contrary to earlier reports, however, ESWT does not
create “microfractures” within bones or negatively affect the mechanical
properties or strength of bones.
Procedure
Depending upon the presenting problem (soft tissue or bone, for examle),
between three and five treatment sessions are performed every 7-14 days.
Each session is typically accomplished in a well sedated horse, and may last
for 10 to 15 minutes. A short period of rest is ususally recommended for
several days after each treatment, but each case is managed individually to
maximize healing and limit recovery time.
Carrie McColgan, DVM | 
