Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a cutting-edge veterinary technology that offers a non-invasive solution for treating musculoskeletal conditions in horses. By delivering high-energy acoustic waves to targeted areas, ESWT provides the following results:

• Stimulate metabolic activity
• Activate the body’s natural regenerative processes
• Boost blood circulation.
• Stimulate healing
• Reduce pain

Accelerate recovery.

This makes it an essential tool in horse rehabilitation and performance horse care.

Benefits of Equine Shockwave Therapy

The benefits of shockwave therapy for equine recovery are numerous. It offers a drug-free alternative for pain management, promotes faster healing of injuries, and can even help improve overall performance. With its proven antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, ESWT has become an essential component in the toolbox of modern equine medicine.

• Improved circulation – Stimulates blood flow to enhance healing.
• Accelerated healing – Encourages faster recovery from injuries.
• Pain relief – Provides immediate and long-term analgesic effects.
• Reduced inflammation – Minimizes swelling and stiffness.
• Tissue and bone regeneration – Promotes the repair of tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Common Conditions Treated with ESWT

ESWT has shown remarkable efficacy in treating a wide range of equine conditions. Its significant impact on equine performance and overall well-being is also significant. By promoting faster healing and pain relief, horses can return to training and competition more quickly.

Condition	How ESWT Helps
Tendon Injuries	Promotes collagen production and reduces inflammation.
Ligament Injuries	Stimulates tissue regeneration and strengthens healing.
Osteoarthritis	Alleviates joint pain and enhances mobility.
Back Pain	Relieves muscular discomfort and promotes flexibility.
Navicular Syndrome	Improves blood flow and reduces chronic pain.
Stress Fractures	Enhances bone regeneration and recovery.

Choosing the Right Equine Shockwave Therapy Equipment

Selecting the best veterinary equipment for equine shockwave therapy ensures effective treatment. Consider the following factors when choosing a device:

• Portability and weight – Lightweight models allow for easy use in different settings.
• Power & Penetration Depth – Deeper penetration is needed to treat bone and joint conditions.
• Ease of Use – User-friendly interfaces reduce setup time.
• Ergonomic Design – Comfortable handpieces improve handling.
• Advanced Technology – Features like “Skin Touch” technology optimize treatment precision.
• Needs of the Practice – Consider the types of conditions often treated.

Budget constraints: Calculate the ROI of providing this service. Consider leasing or buying.

Comparison of Top ESWT Devices for Horses

Here is a comparison of 5 ESWT devices used for horses:

Feature	Piezowave 2 Vet	MASTERPULS® Ultra MP100	Versatron®	PulseVet™ ProPulse	NeoVet	Vetspec™
Weight	~12 kg	<11 kg	~15 kg	~14 kg	~13 kg	~12 kg
Setup Time	5-10 minutes	Minutes	10-15 minutes	5-10 minutes	10 minutes	10-15 minutes
Penetration Depth	30-60 mm	Up to 50 mm	40-60 mm	35-55 mm	30-50 mm	30-55 mm
Control Features	Adjustable depth settings	FALCON™ handpiece with “Skin Touch” technology	Multiple energy settings	High-energy radial waves	Intuitive touchscreen	Electrohydraulic technology
Technology Type	Focused Shockwave	Radial Shockwave	Electrohydraulic	Radial Shockwave	Electrohydraulic	Electrohydraulic
Portability	Moderate	High	Moderate	High	High	High
Common Use Cases	Deep tissue injuries, musculoskeletal conditions	General equine therapy, pain management	Tendon and ligament injuries	Chronic pain relief, recovery	Soft tissue and bone conditions	Orthopedic disorders

Technological Advancements

The leading ESWT models for equine treatment also offer notable advancements.
For example:

• Piezowave 2 Vet: Utilizes focused shockwave technology with customizable depth settings, making it ideal for treating deep-seated musculoskeletal conditions.
• The MASTERPULS® Ultra MP100 features innovative “Skin Touch” technology. This technology allows equine therapists to trigger pulses with minimal skin pressure, improving precision and enhancing therapy effectiveness.
• Versatron®: Employs electrohydraulic shockwaves with multiple energy settings, widely used for tendon and ligament injuries in horses.
• PulseVet™ ProPulse: Known for its high-energy radial shockwaves, it effectively addresses chronic pain and promotes faster recovery.
• NeoVet: It combines electrohydraulic technology with modern features, such as an intuitive touchscreen and easily replaceable applicators, making it practical for clinic and field use.
• Vetspec™: Developed by Medispec, the Vetspec™ utilizes electrohydraulic shockwave technology to treat a range of equine orthopedic disorders. It features a compact and mobile design, weighing approximately 12 kg, facilitating easy transport and on-site treatments.

Potential Risks of Equine Shockwave Therapy

While ESWT is a valuable tool in horse rehabilitation, it should be cautiously administered. Potential risks include:

• Tissue damage if misapplied.
• White hair growth at the treatment site.
• Temporary analgesia may mask pain and lead to overexertion.

Comprehensive training on equine shockwave therapy is vital to ensure safe use, and all competition regulations should be followed.

Equine shockwave therapy equipment is crucial in horse treatment, enhancing recovery, pain management, and performance. By selecting the right veterinary equipment and following best practices, horse trainers and veterinarians can ensure optimal results for performance horses and equine patients.

Explore Shockwave Source for advanced ESWT devices and experience the benefits of veterinary technology designed for effective equine recovery.