Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to help relieve pain, speed healing and improve the quality of healing. The sound wave acts as a mechanical force at the cellular level causing various biological reactions. These have a profound effect in increasing blood supply to the area and stimulating the release of numerous substances involved in the normal healing process. Shock wave has also been demonstrated to recruit stem cells and positively regulate inflammatory proteins associated with osteoarthritis.

What it treats

Shockwave is frequently used to manage and treat a variety of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions including:

• Tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries
• Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease
• Foot/Heel pain
• Bone healing
• Back and neck pain
• Wound healing

How are shockwaves delivered?

A special machine is used to direct shockwaves to the area of injury. The energy level and the depth of penetration of the shockwaves are varied to suit the injury.

What is involved in the procedure?

The procedure is performed in a standing patient under mild sedation. The area to be treated is clipped and a conduction gel is applied to ensure good contact between the skin and the probe head.

What is the treatment protocol?

The precise treatment protocol depends on the diagnosis of each individual patient. Treatment varies in the number of shockwaves administered and the energy of those shockwaves. Most conditions are treated a total of three times spaced at 7–21-day intervals.

Can shockwave therapy be applied outside the hospital?

The equipment is completely mobile and can be performed in an ambulatory capacity at your property or agistment facility.

Does shockwave work on every case?

No, there is no treatment that is successful in every case. It is extremely important to have an accurate diagnosis and a clearly defined area of injury to direct the shockwave to the appropriate area. Adjunctive therapies Depending on your horse’s diagnosis shockwave may be recommended alone or with adjunctive therapies for treatment and management of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions.

Adjunctive therapies

Depending on your horse’s diagnosis shockwave may be recommended alone or with adjunctive therapies for treatment and management of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions.

Call 9479 1800 to book your appointment!