Straight from the horse’s mouth: shockwave therapy can be a game-changer for veterinarians, chiropractors, and equestrians looking to treat “kissing spines” in horses.
A “kissing spine,” also known as over-riding dorsal spinous processes, is a painful condition where the vertebrae of a horse’s spine rub against each other, causing discomfort and inflammation. This condition can reduce the horse’s performance and, in severe cases, may require surgery. However, shockwave therapy can be an effective non-invasive treatment option for kissing spines.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. The therapy has been used for over 30 years to treat various medical conditions, including bone fractures and kidney stones.
In recent years, veterinarians and chiropractors have started using shockwave therapy to treat kissing spines in horses. The treatment involves applying a gel to the affected area and using a handheld device to deliver high-energy acoustic waves to the spine. The waves penetrate deep into the tissue, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and promoting new tissue growth. The procedure may cause mild discomfort but typically subsides within a few hours.
Shockwave therapy can benefit horses with spinal conditions such as kissing spines, and numerous other conditions — like ring bone, sesamoiditis, suspensory ligament. Equally important, shockwave therapy can also help reduce inflammation and pain, promote tissue regeneration, and improve the horse’s overall performance. The reduction in overall pain will make the horse far more likely to want to participate in rehab programs and exercises.
One of the significant advantages of shockwave therapy is that it is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that horses can receive the treatment without anesthesia or surgery, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for a quicker recovery. In addition, shockwave therapy is relatively fast, allowing veterinarians and chiropractors to treat more horses in less time.
Another benefit of shockwave therapy is that it is a targeted treatment option. The handheld shockwave device can be directed at specific areas of the horse’s spine, allowing for precise treatment and reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. This precision can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the horse’s overall outcome.
As all of the above points demonstrate, shockwave therapy can be an effective non-invasive treatment option for horses with kissing spines. The therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and improve the horse’s performance and quality of life. By incorporating shockwave therapy into their practice, horse veterinarians and chiropractors can offer their patients a targeted and effective treatment option without the same adverse effects that go hand-in-hand with surgery and medication.
So, if you’re a horse veterinarian, chiropractor, or equestrian looking to help horses with kissing spines, why not consider incorporating shockwave therapy into your treatment plan? You’ll indeed stirrup positive results, and your patients will thank you!
