UW / Morrie Waud Equine Center now offering Focused Shock Wave Therapy

Extracorporeal means "outside the body," and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal diseases in horses. The ESWT device generates acoustic/pressure waves (shockwaves) of extremely high pressure and velocity that are focused at a specific, targeted tissue within the body.

Some of the conditions for which ESWT is indicated are:

• Desmopathies (inflammation of ligaments)
• Tendinopathies (tendon inflammation)
• Bone exostosis (bone spurs)
• Stress fractures (e.g. cannon bone)
• Sesamoiditis
• Navicular disease
• Osteoarthritis (e.g. hocks)
• Sore backs, among other conditions.

Number of treatments: 1-5 (usually 3) depending on the type of condition/disease.

Treatment intervals: 3-21 days (depending on the type of condition/disease).

Rest: usually 2 days rest followed by hand-walks (depends on the condition, individual response, adjunct therapies and physical rehabilitation).

Please call us if you have any questions about ESWT treatment for your horse.