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Frontiers in veterinary science2025; 12; 1719123; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1719123

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for equine musculoskeletal disorders: from biological mechanisms to clinical applications.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal injuries represent a primary cause of suboptimal performance and early retirement in equine athletes. To address this challenge, the veterinary community has long endeavored to develop safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), as a treatment for equine musculoskeletal injuries, has garnered substantial attention among equine veterinarians. Focused on the theme ESWT Therapy for Equine Musculoskeletal Disorders: From biological mechanisms to clinical applications, this article systematically reviews existing literature on the biological effects of ESWT-including analgesia, anti-inflammation, and autologous repair-mediated through diverse signaling pathways and factors. It synthesizes the current status of clinical applications and underlying mechanisms of ESWT in managing equine musculoskeletal conditions such as suspensory desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendinitis, osteoarthritis, navicular syndrome, and back pain syndrome. Additionally, the article summarizes relevant parameters for ESWT in treating different injuries, offering a reference for clinical equine veterinarians.
Publication Date: 2025-12-19 PubMed ID: 41487475PubMed Central: PMC12757233DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1719123Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment method used to manage various musculoskeletal injuries in horses, and this article reviews both the biological mechanisms behind ESWT and its clinical applications in equine medicine.

Introduction to ESWT in Equine Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Musculoskeletal injuries significantly impact the performance and career longevity of equine athletes, often causing early retirement.
  • The veterinary field continually seeks more effective and safer treatments to manage these injuries.
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has gained prominence as a promising therapeutic approach for treating equine musculoskeletal conditions.

Biological Mechanisms of ESWT

  • ESWT employs shock waves to induce biological effects that facilitate healing and pain relief.
  • Main biological effects include:
    • Analgesia: ESWT reduces pain, improving the horse’s comfort.
    • Anti-inflammatory effects: It diminishes inflammation associated with musculoskeletal injuries.
    • Autologous repair: Promotes the body’s natural repair mechanisms via stimulation of various signaling pathways and growth factors.
  • These biological actions are mediated through complex cellular signaling processes that enhance tissue regeneration and repair.

Clinical Applications of ESWT in Equine Medicine

  • ESWT is applied to several common equine musculoskeletal disorders, including:
    • Suspensory desmitis – inflammation and injury of the suspensory ligament.
    • Superficial digital flexor tendinitis – tendon inflammation and degeneration.
    • Osteoarthritis – degenerative joint disease causing pain and reduced mobility.
    • Navicular syndrome – a chronic condition affecting the navicular bone and associated tissues in the hoof.
    • Back pain syndrome – musculoskeletal pain localized to the horse’s back.
  • The review synthesizes current research findings on the effectiveness and outcomes of ESWT in managing these conditions.
  • ESWT’s clinical benefits include improved healing rates, decreased recovery times, and enhanced return to athletic function.

Parameters and Guidelines for ESWT Treatment

  • The article discusses important treatment parameters that influence ESWT efficacy:
    • Energy levels of shock waves.
    • Frequency and number of treatment sessions.
    • Targeting specific injury locations and tissue types.
  • These parameters vary depending on the specific musculoskeletal condition being treated.
  • Providing such guidelines assists equine veterinarians in tailoring ESWT protocols to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion and Significance

  • This systematic review consolidates the understanding of both biological mechanisms and clinical applications of ESWT for equine musculoskeletal disorders.
  • It highlights ESWT as a valuable, minimally invasive treatment option that supports faster recovery and improved performance in equine athletes.
  • The synthesis of data aids veterinary practitioners in evidence-based decision-making for managing common musculoskeletal injuries in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Qiu Z, Wang J, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wei C, Ma T. (2025). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for equine musculoskeletal disorders: from biological mechanisms to clinical applications. Front Vet Sci, 12, 1719123. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1719123

Publication

ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Pages: 1719123
PII: 1719123

Researcher Affiliations

Qiu, Zhongsheng
  • Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.
Wang, Jiaqi
  • Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.
Zhang, Yukun
  • Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.
Liu, Xiaxin
  • Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.
Wei, Chengwei
  • Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.
Ma, Tianwen
  • Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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