Shockwave For Pets
Our Most Exciting Addition Yet: Now Offering Shock Wave Therapy!
Shockwave for Pets
Shock waves are high-energy, focused sound waves generated outside the body that can be directed to a specific area within the body. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) has been used in human medicine for over 25 years to break up kidney stones and gallstones (lithotripsy) without the need for invasive surgery. In 1992, doctors expanded the use of shock waves to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as non-union bone fractures, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and joint pain. By the late 1990s, veterinarians began using ESWT to accelerate healing in horses with bone fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, and to alleviate arthritis pain. In 1999, experimental ESWT treatment for dogs began, and while positive results have been reported for various orthopedic conditions, controlled clinical studies remain limited.
How Does Shockwave Therapy For Pets Work?
The machine generates a series of high-pressure acoustic pulses (sound waves) that are focused and travel through the skin and soft tissue. When these waves encounter tissue interfaces with varying densities, such as where soft tissue meets tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone, the energy within the shock waves is released. This interaction produces both mechanical and cellular effects, promoting healing and alleviating pain.
Shock waves are believed to help relieve pain and stimulate healing within injured tissues, though the exact mechanism behind these effects is not fully understood. Researchers suggest that ESWT activates the body’s natural healing processes, including increased blood flow, enhanced bone growth, and other regenerative factors. Additionally, the shock waves can help break down calcium deposits often linked to tendonitis, further aiding in recovery.
The exact reason why this treatment alleviates arthritis pain is not entirely clear, but it may be related to the depletion of neuropeptides, which are responsible for pain sensation and can contribute to inflammation. While shock wave therapy does not appear to slow the progression of osteoarthritis, it effectively reduces the pain associated with the condition, improving overall comfort and mobility.
Which Conditions Would Benefit From Shock Wave Therapy?
Osteoarthritis
Hip dysplasia
Back pain
Tendon and ligament injuries (including cruciate ligament disease)
Tendonitis
Fractures
Lick granulomas
How Is The Treatment Performed?
The probe is applied to the treatment area for about 5 minutes per site. While the procedure may be somewhat uncomfortable, particularly on painful areas like arthritic joints, most animals tolerate the treatment well without the need for sedation. In most cases, clipping of the area is not necessary.
The treatment protocol can vary, but typically one to four sessions are administered, spaced two weeks to a month apart. Improvement may be noticeable immediately, or it may take a few weeks to see the full benefits. In many cases, the treatment may need to be repeated approximately once a year to maintain optimal results.
How effective is Shock Wave Therapy?
Typically, around 70% of pets show a remarkable response to the treatment, with 15% experiencing some improvement, and 15% showing no significant change. ESWT appears to be most effective for conditions affecting the shoulders, elbows, backs, and hips, while knee injuries tend to have the least favorable response to the treatment.
Benefits of ProWave Therapy
Non-invasive
No anesthesia
No scarring
No risk of infection
No downtime Over 80% patient satisfaction
Faster, easier healing
