Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Horse

Summary

# Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Horse Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a therapeutic option for equine lameness and poor performance, prompting detailed examination of its mechanisms and clinical applications in sport horses. Morton's overview synthesises evidence on how focused acoustic waves interact with equine musculoskeletal tissues, addressing the physiological basis for symptom resolution and functional recovery in conditions ranging from suspensory ligament injuries to insertional pathology. The University of Florida Equine Lameness & Imaging Service documentation provides clinicians with evidence-based guidance on patient selection, treatment protocols, and realistic expectations for outcomes—critical information given the variable results reported across equine practices. For farriers and rehabilitation specialists, understanding ESWT's role within a broader lameness management strategy helps inform appropriate referral decisions and complementary farriery or physiotherapy interventions. Practitioners should consider ESWT as one component of multimodal rehabilitation rather than a standalone solution, particularly for chronic soft-tissue injuries where conventional therapies have plateaued or when rapid return to competition is necessary.

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Key Findings

• •Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is available as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality for equine lameness at specialized imaging centers
• •ESWT is utilized as part of a comprehensive approach to treatment and rehabilitation of performance horses

Conditions Studied