Pro-stride® is a combination regenerative medicine therapy used to manage osteoarthritis and other causes of lameness. It involves extracting growth factors and other anti-inflammatory agents from the horses own blood and then injecting them directly into the affected joint or tissue to reduce pain or inflammation and promote improved healing.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is one of the most destructive chemicals produced in joint inflammation and leads to ongoing cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. Its antagonist protein is produced naturally by the body and can block IL-1, but in an inflamed joint IL-1 is present in much higher concentrations than the antagonist can block. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) therapy harvests high concentrations of IRAP from the horses own blood that can be safely and effectively injected into the arthritic joint.

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) is a biologic treatment commonly used for tendon and ligament injuries. It involves a small amount of blood taken from the horse which is then processed it in our laboratory to harvest a portion of the blood that has a high concentration of platelets. This blood extract contains high concentrations of various growth factors which are capable of stimulating enhanced healing. The small volume of PRP prepared is then injected directly into the affective joint or injured tissue under ultrasound guidance.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a procedure that uses very high energy, focused energy waves (pulses) to stimulate tissue turnover, new blood vessel formation and enhance healing. ESWT is usually used for the treatment of bone and ligament injuries. Shock waves can help in tissue regeneration by causing “micro-trauma” which stimulates an increased rate of new blood vessel development and therefore allows better delivery of the elements required for healing. 

REC Equine Specialists veterinarians are highly experienced in the use of Class IV therapeutic lasers. This is the most powerful laser on the market and has greater depth of penetration and shorter treatment times than other lasers. Class IV therapeutic laser has been shown to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, pain and muscle spasms. It is useful to treat a wide variety of conditions including tendon & ligament injuries, wounds, muscle pain and inflammation, osteoarthritis 'splints'.