Ultrasound Therapy for Horses
Ultrasound therapy (AKA therapeutic ultrasound) delivers high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves into tissues, creating thermal and acoustic therapeutic effects.
What is therapeutic ultrasound for horses?
Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment method used in equine rehabilitation. A popular tool in human physical therapy, it is now employed by veterinarians and equine therapists to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue repair in horses.
The treatment area is prepped with ultrasound gel, and the probe is applied, moving in circles, producing ultrasonic sound waves that create rapid vibration in cells. The permeability and metabolic activity of cells is increased, ultimately leading to faster recovery times and improved mobility. The sound waves are best absorbed by collagenous tissue - fascia, ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules.
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Ultrasound therapy is low risk when administered by a trained therapist and is generally well-tolerated by horses. The horse may feel a gentle vibration and a sensation of warmth in the tissue being treated.
Thermal Effects of Ultrasound Therapy
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​Creates deep heat in soft tissues - fascia, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules - without raising the temperature of the skin's surface.
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This heat is a result of the sound waves creating rapid movement in cells.
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Therapeutic heat is known to increase tissue elasticity and range of motion, through mechanical or neurological means.
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Acoustic Effects of Ultrasound Therapy
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​The ultrasonic sound waves create mechanical vibrations absorbed best by collagenous tissue.
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Cavitation is a major beneficial effect of US therapy. Vibrations form tiny bubbles in interstitial fluid (fluid between cells). These bubbles then vibrate, creating an effect known as "acoustic streaming", which increases metabolic activity and permeability of cells.
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US therapy works on a microscopic level to increase the metabolic rate of cells and accelerate cellular repair.
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How does diagnostic ultrasound differ from therapeutic ultrasound?
Diagnostic ultrasound and therapeutic ultrasound both produce ultrasonic sound waves (frequencies beyond what our ears can hear.)
However, diagnostic ultrasound is used at a much lower intensity, and the waves are directed differently. The machine uses information about how the tissue absorbs sound waves to create an image.​
Therapeutic ultrasound is administered with customizable intensities and frequencies, and the produced waves are more focused.
Equine Ultrasound Therapy in New Jersey
Northeast EquiWellness is proud to offer Therapeutic Ultrasound as a new service. While this therapy is common in the UK, I am the first that I know of to offer this service locally. I am certified in Therapeutic Ultrasound by the Animal Rehabilitation & Health Academy under Veterinary Physiotherapist Katie Gould.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a fantastic way to complement your horse's equine massage session.
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While massage addresses tension patterns and promotes endorphin release, ultrasound therapy works on a microscopic level and can be used on myofascial adhesions, scar tissue, ligament/tendons, and joints. That way, your horse's entire musculoskeletal system can receive benefits.​
Pricing - Ultrasound Therapy​
When added to a massage:
$25 / 15 minutes
$45 / 30 minutes​
Standalone sessions available.
Email me or leave a message here to get in touch!
