What is Shock Wave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is the use of high-energy sound waves – called pulses or shock waves – to stimulate and speed up the body’s own healing process. These sound waves release higher energy and result in deeper penetration than an ultrasound or laser, for example. The waves travel through soft tissue at different depths to a specific treatment area and begin healing.
How does Shock Wave work?
The high-energy sound waves stimulate cells and release healing growth factors in the body that reduce inflammation and swelling, increase blood flow, help bones to form and heal, and enhance wound healing.
What can be treated with Shock Wave?
Backed by more than 15 years of clinical research, shock wave can be used to reduce lameness, improve mobility, and relieve pain in dogs with:
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint injuries
- Tendon/ligament injuries
- Chronic back pain
- Wounds
- Non-union or delayed union fractures
- Shoulder instability
Shock wave is non-invasive and can be used in these conditions as a complementary treatment, as part of a multimodal pain management or rehab plan.
What can I expect from the treatment?
An average treatment is relatively fast and easy, typically 5-10 minutes total. To make sure your pet is comfortable during treatment a short acting sedation will be used. If needed the veterinarian may shave/clip the dog so that the sound waves are not interrupted. For the treatment the number of pulses for a specific area/condition will be selected and the pulses will be delivered in around 5 minutes.
Watch Muzzy’s shockwave treatment below
