✔ Medically reviewed by Ethan Wright
Shockwave therapy for horses promotes healing by stimulating blood flow, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain in musculoskeletal conditions like tendon injuries, ligament damage, and osteoarthritis.
Shockwave therapy is becoming really popular for helping horses heal from injuries. Vets and horse owners are using it more because it can help horses get better
faster.
In fact, about 60-70% of top-level competition horses have had advanced treatments, including shockwave therapy, to stay in top shape.
About 30% of sport horses get injuries to their muscles and bones during their careers. With so many horses getting hurt, finding a good treatment and the right shockwave therapy machine for horses is super important.
Key Highlights
Shockwave therapy has a 70-80% success rate in treating chronic tendon injuries in horses, offering faster recovery and reduced pain.
This non-invasive treatment can help horses return to regular activities 30% quicker than relying on rest and medication alone.
While each session can cost between $500 and $1,500, the long-term benefits, including lower re-injury rates and less need for ongoing medication, often make it a smart investment.
Table Of Contents
What is Shockwave Therapy for Horses?
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), helps horses heal by using high-energy sound waves to trigger the body’s natural repair processes.
These waves increase blood flow (neovascularization), activate cells that build new tissue (fibroblasts and osteoblasts), and speed up healing in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.
It works by stimulating mechanotransduction—basically, it sends signals to cells that tell them to start repairing damaged areas. It also reduces inflammation by lowering the levels of pain-causing chemicals like prostaglandins and cytokines.
At the same time, it blocks pain by calming overactive nerves (nociceptors) and triggering the body to release its own painkillers (endogenous opioids).
Veterinarians use ESWT for injuries like tendon and ligament damage (tendinopathies, desmitis), joint pain from arthritis (osteoarthritis), navicular disease, and even stress fractures. It helps prevent scar tissue (fibrosis), improves tissue flexibility, and makes bones and soft tissues stronger.
By increasing circulation and cell activity, shockwave therapy helps horses recover faster and move more comfortably—making it a key tool in equine medicine, especially for performance horses.
The energy levels used in shockwave therapy for horses usually range from 0.08 to 0.28 mJ/mm². This energy can reach up to 12 cm deep into the tissues, which means it can treat even deep injuries, like those in the suspensory ligaments or muscles.
Quiz: Find the Perfect Shockwave Therapy Machine for Your Horse
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Horses
While the initial cost of shockwave therapy can range from $500 to $1,500 per session, these costs are often offset by the savings in reduced recovery time and lower ongoing medication needs.
Non-invasive treatment reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery time.
Effectively manages pain, reducing it by up to 65% in horses with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Accelerates return to regular activities, with horses resuming activities 30% quicker than with rest and medication alone.
Provides long-term benefits, preventing re-injury and boosting overall performance.
Cost-effective over time, with initial session costs offset by reduced recovery time and lower ongoing medication expenses.
7 Healing Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Horses
Horses are strong, but they are also prone to injuries, especially in their joints, tendons, and bones. These injuries can happen due to overuse, accidents, or even degenerative conditions.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment option that can address many of these issues effectively. Here are some common reasons a horse might need shockwave therapy:
1. Reduces Pain Naturally
Shockwave therapy works by nociceptor inhibition, which blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. It also disrupts C-fiber and A-delta nerve pathways, calming overactive nerves that cause discomfort.
At the same time, it triggers the release of endogenous opioids, the body’s natural painkillers, which help reduce discomfort without medication.
Additionally, it lowers Substance P and prostaglandin levels, which are chemicals responsible for pain and inflammation.
✔ Conditions Treated:
Navicular Syndrome – Reduces chronic heel pain.
Osteoarthritis – Lowers joint pain and stiffness.
Kissing Spines – Reduces pain in affected vertebrae.
Suspensory Ligament Injuries – Blocks pain from ligament damage.
Chronic Back Pain – Helps manage discomfort in the spine and muscles.
2. Speeds Up Injury Recovery
Shockwave therapy speeds up healing by triggering neovascularization, which creates new blood vessels and increases oxygen flow to the injured area. It activates fibroblasts and osteoblasts, which are the body’s repair cells for soft tissues and bones.
The treatment uses mechanotransduction to convert sound wave energy into biological signals, stimulating tissue regeneration and accelerating the healing process.
✔ Conditions Treated:
• Tendonitis & Tendon Tears – Accelerates tendon fiber repair.
• Desmitis (Ligament Injuries) – Stimulates ligament healing.
• Bone Bruising – Increases blood flow for faster healing.
• Joint Injuries – Promotes tissue regeneration in damaged joints.
• Post-Surgical Recovery – Enhances healing after orthopedic procedures.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation happens when the body produces too many cytokines and prostaglandins, which increase swelling and pain.
Shockwave therapy helps by modulating cytokine and prostaglandin levels, reducing inflammation naturally. It also improves lymphatic drainage, which clears out excess fluid and waste.
By boosting microcirculation, it increases blood flow in tiny blood vessels, helping remove toxins. This leads to edema reduction, meaning less swelling and stiffness in joints and soft tissues.
✔ Conditions Treated:
Synovitis – Decreases inflammation inside the joint capsule.
Bursitis – Reduces swelling in fluid-filled sacs (bursa).
Tendon Sheath Effusion – Lowers swelling around tendons.
Arthritic Joint Swelling – Controls inflammation in joints.
Edema in Soft Tissue Injuries – Clears out excess fluid and toxins.
4. Breaks Down Scar Tissue
After an injury, the body creates scar tissue, which can make movement difficult. Shockwave therapy promotes collagen remodeling, helping form strong, flexible tissue instead of stiff scar tissue.
It also prevents fibrosis, which is excessive scar tissue buildup that can limit mobility. By stimulating extracellular matrix restructuring, the therapy ensures tissues remain elastic and strong.
Additionally, it aids in myofascial release, reducing tightness in muscles and connective tissues, improving movement and reducing pain.
✔ Conditions Treated:
Chronic Tendon and Ligament Injuries – Prevents excessive fibrosis.
Muscle Adhesions – Breaks up tight, fibrotic areas.
Old Soft Tissue Injuries – Restores flexibility in previously damaged areas.
Post-Surgical Scar Tissue – Helps maintain mobility after surgery.
Fibrotic Myopathy – Reduces stiff, inflexible scar tissue in muscles.
5. Strengthens Bones and Joints
Horses with weak bones or joint issues benefit from shockwave therapy because it triggers osteogenesis stimulation, activating osteoblasts that help build new bone.
It also improves subchondral bone density, making the bone beneath cartilage stronger. This therapy is effective for treating stress fractures, as it speeds up bone repair.
Additionally, it promotes joint homeostasis maintenance, keeping joints balanced and functioning properly, which is especially important for horses with arthritis or degenerative joint conditions.
✔ Conditions Treated:
• Navicular Disease – Stimulates bone remodeling in the navicular bone.
• Stress Fractures – Speeds up bone repair.
• Subchondral Bone Cysts – Encourages new bone formation.
• Osteoarthritis – Strengthens the bone layer beneath cartilage.
• Bone Bruises – Enhances healing by increasing circulation.
6. Improves Mobility and Performance
Horses with pain or stiffness struggle to move properly. Shockwave therapy enhances biomechanical function optimization, ensuring joints and muscles work smoothly together.
It also increases myofibril elasticity, making muscles and tendons more flexible, preventing stiffness and strain. By preventing compensatory injuries, it helps reduce stress on other body parts that might be overcompensating for pain.
Additionally, neuromuscular stimulation keeps nerves and muscles communicating effectively, leading to smoother movement and better performance.
✔ Conditions Treated:
Joint Stiffness – Enhances range of motion.
Muscle Atrophy – Promotes recovery of weakened muscles.
Compensatory Gait Issues – Helps correct movement imbalances.
Back and SI (Sacroiliac) Pain – Improves spinal mobility.
Chronic Lameness – Helps reduce long-term movement issues.
7. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
Shockwave therapy is a non-pharmacologic analgesia, meaning it relieves pain without drugs. It’s a minimally invasive therapy, meaning no surgery, no injections, and no long recovery times.
This treatment helps reduce the need for NSAIDs and corticosteroids, which can have side effects like ulcers and kidney problems.
By promoting long-term tissue homeostasis, it keeps tissues balanced, strong, and healthy, making it a great long-term solution for equine pain management and injury recovery.
✔ Conditions Treated:
Chronic Pain Syndromes – Long-term pain management without drugs.
Performance Horse Maintenance – Prevents injuries and keeps horses sound.
Rehabilitation from Surgery – Aids in non-invasive post-surgical recovery.
NSAID-Intolerant Horses – Alternative pain relief for horses that cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs.
Senior Horse Joint Health – Provides a safe, drug-free option for older horses with arthritis.
Shockwave therapy is also used for dogs, providing similar benefits in managing arthritis and pain.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Other Treatments for Horses?
When it comes to treating horses, there are several options on the table. Let’s break down how shockwave therapy compares to other common treatments like rest, medication, surgery, laser therapy, and physical therapy.
Rest and Medication
Rest and medication are often the first steps when a horse is injured. It’s a simple and low-cost option, typically ranging from $50 to $200 for medications and basic care.
However, it has its drawbacks. Healing can take a long time, and sometimes it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem, leading to ongoing issues.
Surgery
Surgery can be very effective because it directly addresses the injury. However, it’s invasive, carries significant risks, and requires a long recovery period.
The costs can be substantial, often ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the complexity of the surgery and the required aftercare, including hospitalization and rehabilitation.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is another non-invasive option, which is great for surface-level issues. But it doesn’t always penetrate deeply enough to treat more severe conditions, which can limit its effectiveness.
Multiple sessions are often required, with each session costing $200 to $500. This adds up, increasing the overall cost and time commitment, especially if long-term treatment is needed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is excellent for rehabilitation, helping to improve flexibility and support recovery. However, on its own, it might not be enough to fully heal serious injuries. It’s a slow process and often needs to be combined with other treatments for the best results.
The costs can vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per session, and multiple sessions are usually needed over several weeks or months.
Are there Risks or Side Effects?
Shockwave therapy is generally safe, but like any treatment, it has potential risks and side effects. Some horses might experience soreness after treatment. This is common and usually goes away in a day or two with mild pain relief.
Another side effect is the formation of white hairs at the treatment site. This happens in about 10-15% of cases. It doesn’t affect the horse’s health, but it’s something to be aware of if you notice any changes in your horse’s coat.
There’s also a very small risk of microfractures, especially if high-energy shockwaves are used too often. The risk is less than 1%, but it shows why it’s so important to have a skilled and experienced practitioner handle the therapy.
They know how to apply the treatment safely and effectively. To minimize risks, always choose a qualified professional to perform the therapy. Make sure they understand the specific needs of your horse and the right settings to use.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During a shockwave therapy session, your horse will be sedated to keep them calm and still. The vet uses a special machine that sends high-energy sound waves into the injured area.
The whole process is straightforward and usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, so it’s quick and easy for your horse.
How Quickly Will Your Horse Bounce Back?
After the session, your horse might need a little time to rest. Most horses can start light work within 2 weeks, and full recovery usually happens within 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on the injury, your horse might need 3 to 5 sessions, spaced out over 1 to 2 weeks.
Some conditions might require maintenance sessions every few months to keep things on track.
Is Shockwave Therapy Worth the Investment?
Shockwave therapy isn’t cheap, but it’s often worth the investment. Each session can cost between $500 and $1,500, which is higher than some other treatments.
But remember, the quicker recovery times and potential for long-term benefits can make it a smart choice in the end.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Horse?
Deciding if shockwave therapy is right for your horse depends on a few factors. Consider the type of injury, how severe it is, and your horse’s overall health.
This treatment works especially well for chronic tendon and ligament injuries, and it’s a great option if other treatments haven’t been successful.
Why Vet's Love it
Before making a decision, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. They can assess your horse’s specific needs and give you advice based on their expertise. Over 80% of equine vets recommend shockwave therapy for certain injuries, so their opinion is valuable.
Takeaway
Shockwave therapy is a promising treatment that can help your horse recover from injuries more quickly. It’s popular because it’s non-invasive and can reduce pain and speed up healing.
While it can be more expensive than other treatments, the benefits often outweigh the costs, especially if your horse has a tough injury that hasn’t responded well to other methods.
If your horse has a chronic tendon or ligament injury, shockwave therapy might be a good option to consider.
But remember, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you decide if this treatment is right for your horse and guide you on the best course of action.
Overall, shockwave therapy is helping many horses get back on their feet faster and with less pain. If you’re looking for a way to help your horse recover, it’s definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work on Horses?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. These waves increase blood flow to the area, which helps injuries heal faster.
They also trigger the release of growth factors that aid in tissue repair and reduce inflammation markers significantly.
What is Shockwave Therapy for Horses?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to promote healing in horses.
It has been used by veterinarians since the early 2000s and has proven effective in treating various equine injuries.
How Effective is Shockwave Therapy for Horses?
Shockwave therapy is highly effective for horses. It has an over 80% success rate for treating tendon injuries, reduces lameness in horses with navicular syndrome by 65%, and significantly cuts pain in 75% of horses with arthritis.
Why is Shockwave Therapy Illegal in Horses?
In some competitive equestrian sports, the use of shockwave therapy is restricted or banned close to competition dates. This is because the therapy can provide significant pain relief, potentially giving treated horses an unfair advantage.
What are the Side Effects of Shockwave Therapy in Horses?
While generally safe, shockwave therapy can have a few side effects. These include the appearance of white hairs at the treatment site (about 5% of cases), very rare microfractures (less than 2% of cases), and a slight risk of premature growth plate closure in young horses (about 1%).
Can You Ride a Horse After Shockwave Therapy?
It is generally recommended to avoid riding or strenuous activity for a short period after shockwave therapy to allow the treated area to heal. Consult your veterinarian for specific guidelines based on your horse's condition.
What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?
During shockwave therapy, a veterinarian uses a device to direct high-energy sound waves to the injured area. The procedure usually lasts between 15-30 minutes, and sedation may be used to keep the horse calm and comfortable.
How Painful is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is typically well-tolerated by horses. The procedure itself is not very painful, but some discomfort may occur. Sedation is often used to minimize any stress or discomfort during the treatment.
How Often Should a Horse Have Shockwave Therapy?
The frequency of shockwave therapy sessions depends on the specific injury and the horse's response to treatment. Most horses require 3-5 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, for optimal results.
Does Shockwave Therapy Really Work?
Yes, shockwave therapy has been proven to work effectively for many equine injuries. Clinical trials and studies have shown high success rates in reducing pain and inflammation and promoting healing in tendons, ligaments, and bones.
What Not to Do After Shockwave Therapy?
After shockwave therapy, avoid strenuous activity or riding for a short period to allow proper healing. Follow your veterinarian's advice on post-treatment care to ensure the best outcome for your horse.
How Quickly Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The effects of shockwave therapy can often be seen within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual horse's healing response.
What is the Success Rate of Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy has a high success rate. Studies show a 75% success rate in reducing pain and inflammation, an 80% success rate for long-term improvement in functionality, and over 80% success in treating tendon injuries.
Is Shockwave Therapy a Permanent Cure?
While shockwave therapy can provide significant long-term relief and improvement, it may not be a permanent cure for all conditions. Ongoing management and follow-up treatments might be necessary depending on the severity of the injury.
How Deep Does Shockwave Therapy Penetrate?
Shockwave therapy can penetrate tissues to varying depths depending on the energy setting used. Typically, the sound waves can reach up to several centimeters beneath the skin, making it effective for treating deep tissue injuries.