Advanced, Non-Invasive Pain Relief and Mobility Restoration

At Healing Paws Center in Oakland Park, FL, we offer Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) as part of our advanced, NON-INVASIVE integrative approach to pain management and rehabilitation for dogs and cats. Shockwave Therapy provides targeted, drug-sparing pain relief for pets with arthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, and delayed post-surgical healing.

This therapy is widely used in human sports medicine — and its benefits translate exceptionally well to veterinary patients.

NSAIDS (such as carprofen, deramaxx, and galliprant) or steroids (like prednisone or prednisolone) are typically utilized in pets. These can have a horrible impact on the liver and kidneys of any pet.  Additionally, they do NOT reverse joint degeneration. Studies suggest that shockwave therapy offers more than just temporary relief—it can slow progression of arthritis and stimulate actual healing.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave Therapy delivers controlled acoustic SOUND pulses into musculoskeletal tissues. These pulses stimulate:

  • Increased blood flow
  • Release of growth factors
  • Improved tendon and ligament fiber alignment
  • Enhanced bone remodeling
  • Reduced pain signaling at the nerve level / reducing inflammation

This encourages the body to repair and strengthen damaged tissue naturally, helping pets regain function and comfort.

Conditions Shockwave Therapy Can Improve

Dogs

  • Osteoarthritis (hip and elbow dysplasia) and chronic pain: Improved limb use and gait symmetry
  • Supraspinatus / Iliopsoas/ Biceps Tendinopathy: Reduced pain and improved function
  • Delayed Bone Healing (post-TPLO or post-orthopedic surgery or fracture repair): Accelerated bone remodeling and recovery

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

  • Non-invasive —no sedation required!
  • Reduces pain WITHOUT increasing daily medications – DRUG-FREE
  • Improves mobility and comfort in aging pets
  • Enhances tendon, ligament, and bone healing
  • Complements acupuncture, rehab exercises, and joint supplements

What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment sessions are about 30-40 minutes. Successful treatment requires about 4-8 sessions – spaced out at least 72 hours apart.

The pet lies comfortably on a mat or padded surface while the practitioner applies the handheld probe to the affected area(s). Some pets even fall asleep during treatment – it’s THAT gentle! Treatment Session: Typically 1,000–2,000 pulses per region

References

  1. Boström, A., et al. (2022). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Comprehensive review summarizing mechanisms, dosing, and results across dogs, horses, and cats. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.1011799
  2. Souza, A.N.A., et al. (2016). Radial Shock Wave Therapy in Dogs with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT). Demonstrated improved kinetic and clinical scores in canine hip OA. https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-15-09-0139
  3. Millis, D.L., et al. (2010). Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Chronic Elbow Osteoarthritis in Dogs. VCOT. Objective gait improvement following ESWT.
  4. Dahlberg, J., et al. (2005). ESWT for the Treatment of Canine Stifle Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
  5. Kieves, N.R., et al. (2015). High-Energy Focused ESWT Accelerates Bone Healing in a Canine Clinical Model. VCOT. https://doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-14-02-0020
  6. Leeman, J.J., et al. (2016). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Rehabilitation for Treatment of Canine Supraspinatus Tendinopathy. Veterinary Record.
    Showed functional and imaging improvement when combined with therapeutic exercise. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103488
  7. Kern, T., et al. (2023). Low-Intensity ESWT Improves Tendon Ultrasonographic Appearance in Canine Shoulder Tendinopathy.
    Frontiers in Veterinary Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1188975
  8. Joseph, G.L., et al. (2023). Novel Shockwave Applicator Improves Tolerance in Awake Canine Patients. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Demonstrates improved patient comfort without sedation. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1249592