Parx bans shock-wave therapy

Shock-wave therapy machines will be banned on the premises of Parx Racing in Philadelphia beginning June 1 as the result of a new house rule worked out between management and representatives of horsemen, riders, and state vets, according to racing officials at the track.

Although Pennsylvania has had a rule on its books restricting shock-wave therapy for 12 years, the Parx house rule states that any veterinarian or horseman found to be in possession of a shock-wave therapy machine will be banned from the track, according to a copy of the rule provided by Michael Ballezzi, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, which supported the rule. The rule also states that horses cannot be removed from the grounds of Parx within 14 days of a race to receive shock-wave therapy.

Pennsylvania’s racing commission issued a rule in early 2003 prohibiting the use of shock-wave therapy within seven days of racing or training, according to records provided by the commission. The rule states that the device has to be registered with the chief commission veterinarian, and that it can be used only by a licensed veterinarian.

Shock-wave therapy entails the use of a machine to generate high-frequency sound waves that are delivered to the site of soft-tissue injuries. Supporters of the use of the machines contend that they aid in the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries.

Controversy has surrounded the use of shock-wave therapy machines because the sound waves have a numbing effect on the area that is treated for several days, according to studies, introducing the possibility that the horse could run on injured tissue without feeling pain.

Ballezzi said that he believed “one or two” practicing veterinarians have brought shock-wave therapy machines on to the grounds of Parx. He noted the state rule prohibiting the use of the machines within seven days of a race, but he said that the rule “was hard to police.”

“The fact is that it doesn’t need to be on the racetrack,” Ballezzi said. “If a horse needs shock-wave therapy then they shouldn’t be on the racetrack. That’s for treating a long-term injury, nothing short term. They’re not in racing shape if they need shock wave.”

The Association of Racing Commissioners International has endorsed a rule prohibiting shock-wave therapy within 10 days of a race. That rule has been adopted in a number of large racing states, including California, Kentucky, and New York.

The Jockeys’ Guild has been pressing states to adopt the 10-day prohibition, along with strict monitoring of the treatments by state regulators, out of concern for injuries to horses and riders. The organization was consulted on the implementation of the Parx rule, according to Terry Meyocks, the national manager of the Guild.

“The jockey needs to have assurance that the horse he’s on is safe,” Meyocks said.