Practical Horseman

Shockwave and Laser Therapies

Q My horse recently injured his suspensory ligament and my vet has recommended shockwave therapy. How will that help him heal? I have also heard of laser therapy for tendon and ligament injuries. Is that something I should do also or instead?

Name withheld by request

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive therapy commonly used to treat equine soft-tissue injuries. In this therapy, a high-energy soundwave is generated outside the body (extracorporeal) and pulsed into the target tissue to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and trigger a series of cellular effects that result in tissue healing. Some of the specifics of how it helps the healing process

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