RMTC
By Paulick Report Staff
Parx Racing will ban possession or use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy devices on the grounds of the Bensalem, Pa., racetrack, effective June 1, director of racing Sam Elliott told the Paulick Report.
“This policy was formulated after consultation with the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the Jockeys Guild and equine veterinarians from both the racing and academic world,” Elliott said in a directive to horsemen and veterinarians. “This policy is designed to enhance the safety of both horses and jockeys who participate at Parx.”
The new policy, adopted as a “house rule” at Parx as the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission does not have rules regulating the use of the devices, also restricts horses from being removed from the grounds of the track within 14 days of a race to receive shockwave therapy.
“Veterinarians who are found to be in possession of a shockwave machine will lose their privilege to practice veterinary medicine at Parx,” Elliott said. “Horsemen found to be in possession of a shockwave machine will have stall privileges revoked.”
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy machines provide a useful therapeutic treatment that deliver brief, high-energy pulses to selected areas through a hand-held probe. They can be used to speed healing of ligament or tendon injuries but also have an analgesic effect that can deaden pain for up to 72 hours or longer.
