Healing with Shockwave Technology
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a high-energy sound wave technology that generates sound waves outside of the body, offering a noninvasive treatment option of dogs experiencing lameness and pain. The high-energy sound waves – sometimes called pulses – travel through soft tissue at customized depths, reaching a specific treatment area. These waves trigger the body’s repair system. Different sized applicator heads (5mm and 20mm) allow shockwaves to penetrate to different depths and various energy settings allow for customization of application. In comparison to ultrasound or lasers, shockwaves result in a higher energy output and deeper penetration, which has been proven to reduce healing time, improve mobility, and relieve pain in as few as 1-3 treatments. Shockwave can be used instead of an increased NSAID dose, as part of a rehabilitation or routine postoperative program.
How does it work?
Shockwave therapy aids in healing by stimulating the body’s regeneration process. The waves work on a cellular level, releasing proteins that accelerate healing. Energy is released as a shockwave as tissue interfaces where the density of the tissue or impedance of the sound waves changes. Neovascularization takes place, leading to increased blood supply to the treated tissue, resulting in tissue regeneration in tendons, joints, and bone. Shockwave is noninvasive so dogs are able to receive treatment with minimal recovery time. While results may appear to be seen immediately, it takes time for the biological responses to take place.
Shockwave therapy is performed on an outpatient basis – treatment, recovery and discharge from the hospital can all be performed while you wait. An average treatment is relatively fast and easy, typically 5-10 minutes in duration. Dealing with only sound energy and deep tissue penetration, your pet will only require a short acting sedative. We do this to ensure optimal comfort and minimal distress. Preparation of the treatment area is minimal and requires clipping of the dog’s fur overlying the treatment area to make certain sound transmission is not disrupted by fur. A conductive gel is used with the applicator while it is gently moved over the treated area but will be removed immediately after treatment – no sticky mess goes home. It is important that dogs do not take part in strenuous or high-impact activity for a few days so their body may effectively heal. An additional treatment may be needed after 2-3 weeks, depending on the indication.
Shockwave is beneficial in the following applications:
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint injuries – hips, elbows, stifle (knee), and shoulder
- Chronic back pain, lumbosacral disease
- Non-union or delayed union fractures
- Tendon/ligament injuries
- Chronic soft tissue wounds
How is shockwave therapy different from laser therapy?
- Shockwave uses sound energy where laser uses light energy
- Shockwave is FDA-approved and is supported by more than 10 years of research in both veterinary and human medicine.
- Shockwave creates a higher energy output and penetrates deeper than a laser can. Lasers are mostly beneficial for superficial indications that require a few millimeters in depth.
- 1-3 treatments provide long-term healing with shockwave whereas lasers require 10-15 treatments for any given injury. Healing with lasers has not been proven long-term.
- There is no risk of burns with sound energy and no protective eyewear is required.
- No adverse effects have been reported with shockwave therapy.
Clinical Research:
The effect of shock wave therapy on patellar ligament desmitis after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Gallagher A, Cross AR, Sepulveda G. Vet Surg. 2012 May;41(4):482-5
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in inflammatory deseases: molecular mechanism that triggers anti-inflammatory action. Mariotto S, de Prati AC, Cavalieri E, Amelio E, Marlinghaus E, Suzuki H. Curr Med Chem. 2009; 16(19);2366-72.
Effects of radial shockwave therapy on the limb function of dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Mueller M, Bockstahler B, Skalicky M, Mlacnik E, Lorinson D. Vet Rec 2007 Jun 2;160(22):762-5
The evaluation of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in naturally occurring osteoarthritis of the stifle joint in dogs. Dahlberg J, Fitch G, Evans RB, McClure SR, Conzemius M. VCOT 2005;18(3):147-52
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for supraspinatus calcifying tendinopathy in two dogs. Danova NA, Muir P. Vet Rec 2003 Feb 15;(7):208-9.