Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), has gained popularity in canine rehabilitation for various conditions. Unlike the name suggests, shockwave therapy does not use electricity but high pressure ultrasound waves. Shockwave therapy is gaining popularity in both human and veterinary medicine because it is noninvasive, it reduce pain and it promotes healing.
Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain in dogs suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal injuries. It reduces inflammation which can be a source of pain and it produces analgesic effects. ESWT increases blood flow and initiates the body’s healing power at the cellular level. These benefits will help improve your dogs mobility.
Shockwave therapy promotes bone healing and has become valuable in the management of orthopedics. It has proven to be an effective tool with nonunion fracture (those fractures that are not healing). ESWT improves bone healing by improving blood supply and promoting osteogenesis (the formation of new bone) by stimulating growth factors and signaling pathways that are crucial for bone repair and regeneration.
Another advantage to this new promising therapy is its safety! It can reduce the need for medications. It is a non-invasive therapy and is well tolerated by the dog. Overall, shockwave therapy is a multifaceted approach that addresses the symptoms of pain and the underlying issues affecting mobility. By facilitating healing, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation, it plays a significant role in enhancing a dog’s healing, comfort and quality of life.