Shock wave uses high-engery acoustic pulses (similar to sound waves), not electrical pulses, that travel readily through soft tissues. The pulses stimulate osteoclasts (the bone cells that rebuild the bone), enhances the development of new blood vessels and provides an anti-inflammatory action that reduces the biochemicals responsible for pain.

Studies have shown that horses do better post treatment when rested.

Pursuant to the Horse Racing Act, the ORC requires that the equipment and its use is reported to the ORC veterinarian. The ORC forms to register the equipment and document the use on horses racing in Michigan can be found in the form section of our website.

The following procedures shall be implemented for the use of ESWT-RPWT on race horses:

• Only licensed veterinarians, who are in good standing with the ORC and the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, may use ESWT-RPWT.
• All ESWT-RPWT equipment must be registered with the ORC using the ORC form RC-109, " Registration of Shock Wave/Radial Pulse Therapy Equipment ."
• All ESWT-RPWT treatment of race horses must be reported by the treating veterinarian using the ORC form RC-108 titled " Horses Treated with Extracorpeal Shock Wave Therapy and Radial Pulse Wave Therapy " to the ORC veterinarian within 24 hours of treatment if the race horse being treated is intended to be entered at a Michigan licensed pari-mutuel track within 10 days of treatment.
• All horses receiving treatment will be placed on the Vet's List and will not be eligible to race for 7 days following the treatment. Day 1 is the day following the treatment.
• Failure to follow any of these will result in the notification to the Board of Stewards for disciplinary action.