Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a modality of treatment that is available for use in South Africa. While it appears to be beneficial for the treatment of damage to ligaments and aids in the healing of bones, there are other side effects that could compromise the welfare of racehorses, namely the prolonged analgesic (painkiller) effect.

The following conditions shall therefore apply, when any horse is treated with ESWT:

1. The treatment must be prescribed by a Vet and the planned treatment protocol must be entered into the Vet Treatment Register (VTR).
2. The Trainer must record each subsequent treatment in the VTR, which must correspond to the protocol prescribed by the Vet.
3. No horse may compete in a race for 7 (seven) days after its last ESWT treatment.

Failure to comply with the above conditions may be considered a breach of Rule 72.1.47 and the necessary action shall be taken on any non-compliant person.