Let's Talk Shock Wave!
Oak Valley Veterinary Service strives to adhere to the highest standards of care through the implementation of advanced technology and evidence-based medicine.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is the most clinically proven energy-based therapy available to aid in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. While alternative therapies such a PEMP and laser are commonly used in veterinary medicine, shockwave is the ONLY FDA approved energy-based modality that is supported by scientific evidence.
A fun sales pitch and anecdotal evidence can make any treatment modality seem like the best choice. However, it’s important to recognize that shock wave is the only non-invasive, energy-based technology supported by over 20 peer-reviewed treatment protocols involving various equine and canine conditions.
Other treatment modalities have their place, but we have outlined some of the benefits of shock wave and how it compares to other popular therapies from a peer-reviewed standpoint.
How does Shock Wave work
The sound waves, also called pulses or shock waves, travel through soft tissue at customized depths, reaching a specific treatment area and trigger the body's own repair system. The energy stimulates the regeneration process at a cellular level, releasing proteins that regulate inflammatory mediators and accelerate healing.
What is Shock Wave used for?
After having proven its effectiveness in human medicine over the last 30 years, shock wave is now considered the gold standard of treatment for a variety of veterinary conditions that result in pain and discomfort.
Some of the most common implications for use of shock wave include:
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease
- Non-union or delayed union fractures and bone injuries
- Chronic back pain, intervertebral disc disease
- Navicular disease
- Muscle pain
- Wounds
How does Shock Wave compare to other energy modalities such as laser therapy or PEMF?
- Shockwaves create higher energy outputs and can penetrate deeper than a laser or PEMF.
- One to three shock wave treatments can provide long-term healing. In contrast, laser therapy and PEMP require 10-15 treatments for any given injury with little research to support the long-term effects of the treatment.
- Shock wave therapy is FDA-approved and covered by most veterinary insurance providers.
- There is 20 years of clinical, published research proving shock wave efficacy in treating veterinary patients.
Contact Dr. Carroll for more information on how your animal may benefit from shock wave therapy.
