Modalities for athletic equines
Precautions and Contraindications
Noninvasive treatments for sport horses
Veterinarians typically recommend these as adjuncts to other medications and therapies. Reviewing their benefits and limitations can help you understand how they might fit into your sport horse care strategy.
Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used to treat a wide variety of equine injuries, primarily musculoskeletal with the intense, short pulses of energy through the generator. Common uses include treating desmitis and tendinitis, osteoarthritis, muscle pain, and podotrochlosis
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy involves using blankets or loops that emit electromagnetic pulses to different parts of the body to reduce inflammation, improve tissue repair, and promote healing.
Vibration Plates
Whole-body vibration treatment involves the horse standing on a platform that vibrates for a specific period at certain frequencies. Although more research is required, many practitioners believe it improves circulation and muscle strength.
There are many more tools available, therefore, it’s important to remember the physical exam and continued veterinary observation are the most valuable parts of rehabilitation.