What is rESWT?
Over the past 15 years the use of extracorporeal lithotripsy, also know as Shockwave therapy, for the treatment of, insertional desmopathies such as upper and lower suspensory desmitis, angular limb deformity,  calcifications of tendons and tendon sheaths for horses and has become a significant subject of worldwide research.

Radial Shockwave Therapy is a treatment administered by veterinary surgeons and has been used successfully to treat large animals such as horses and dogs. Radial Shockwave Therapy is a series of high energetic shockwaves applied to the area that needs treatment. A shockwave is a purely mechanical wave, not an electric one.

Radial shock wave therapy (rESWT) utilises a ballistic technique. A projectile, accelerated by compressed air and propelled at high kinetic energy, hits an applicator placed on the skin.   By using a coupling medium such as ultrasound gel, this impulse is delivered to the tissue in the form of a shock wave. From this point the shock wave continues to spread inside the body in the form of a spherical "radial" wave. In this generating principle, the applicator surface constitutes the geometric point with the highest pressure and the highest energy density.

What are the advantages with Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is applied with a gentle sedative to ensure the patient is not startled by the sensation of the shockwaves. The treatment stimulates an inflammatory response and supports the body’s self  healing mechanisms. Reported side effects are minimal.

Will the patient be in pain after the treatment?
Often the patient will experience a reduced level of pain or no pain at all immediately after the treatment, but a dull and diffuse pain may occur a few hours later. This dull pain can last for a day or so and in rare cases a little bit longer.

How does Radial Shockwave Therapy work?
The treatment initiates an inflammation-like condition in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications.

What if the shockwave treatment doesn’t work?
Even though the response to shockwave treatment normally is exceptionally good within a few weeks it may take several months before maximum effect is achieved. If  after 3-4 months the patient still does not experience a pronounced improvement, surgery may be an alternative depending on the individual clinical circumstance.

Are there any contraindications or precautions that I should be aware of?
Yes.
• Cortisone injections are not to be administered within the last month before treatment is initiated