Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT)
Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT) For Your Pet | Gippsland Veterinary Hospital
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. In horses, it’s most commonly used for tendon and ligament injuries, bone conditions such as splints and stress fractures, and back pain.
At Gippsland Veterinary Hospital, we offer shockwave therapy as part of our approach to managing musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain in horses.
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Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT) FAQs
Just a few common questions about Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT). If there is something else you need to know just ask in the Contact Us form below!
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most horses tolerate shockwave therapy well, especially under sedation. Some horses react to the pulses, particularly over sensitive areas or at higher energy settings, but significant discomfort is uncommon. There may be mild soreness over the treated area for a day or two afterwards, similar to post-exercise muscle tenderness. If your horse is particularly sensitive, we can adjust the protocol or provide additional pain relief.
How many treatments will my horse need?
Most conditions require 2–3 treatments spaced 2–3 weeks apart. Some chronic or severe injuries benefit from additional sessions. We’ll reassess your horse’s response after each treatment and adjust the plan accordingly. It’s important to complete the recommended course rather than stopping early when improvement is seen, as the full effect builds over multiple sessions.
Can shockwave therapy replace surgery?
In some cases, shockwave therapy can help manage conditions that might otherwise require surgery — or delay the need for surgical intervention. However, it’s not a substitute for surgery when surgery is clearly indicated. For example, a displaced fracture or severe tendon rupture won’t be fixed by shockwave alone. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether conservative management is realistic for your horse’s condition.
How soon can my horse return to work after shockwave?
This depends entirely on the underlying injury, not the shockwave treatment itself. The shockwave provides pain relief and supports healing, but the damaged tissue still needs time to repair and strengthen. Returning to work too soon — especially because the horse feels better — risks re-injury. For most tendon and ligament injuries, expect a rehabilitation period of several months with gradual increases in workload. We’ll provide a written plan with specific stages.