A New Treatment Option Has Arrived: Shockwave Therapy!

Written by University of Florida veterinary student, Madison Lucke

We’re excited to share that our practice has recently added shockwave therapy to our treatment options. This advanced, non-invasive therapy allows us to better support our patients who are dealing with pain, inflammation, injury, or slow-healing conditions.

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses focused sound waves delivered through the skin to targeted tissues. These sound waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow to the injured tissue, reducing inflammation, encouraging tissue repair, and providing pain relief. Since it is non-invasive, shockwave therapy does not involve surgery or injections directly into the affected area. Many patients do not even require sedation for the treatment.

Who would benefit from shockwave therapy? Shockwave therapy is most commonly recommended for musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon and ligament injuries, joint pain and arthritis, back or neck pain, muscle strains, and certain bone or soft-tissue injuries. It can also be used to accelerate healing with wounds.

So, what can you expect during treatment? A handheld probe connected to a portable machine delivers shockwaves to the targeted area. These shockwaves, unlike the name suggests, do not shock the patient, they are merely controlled sound waves being directed at a specific area. The entire treatment takes 15-30 minutes. Positive response to treatment can be seen after only one or two treatments. But for healing to occur, a schedule of once every 1-2 weeks for a total of 3-6 treatments is recommended.

What does aftercare look like? There is no true aftercare required for the treatment site; however, because shockwave therapy can reduce pain, it is important to follow any recommended rest or activity restrictions. Pain relief does not always mean complete healing, and returning to normal activity too quickly can increase the risk of re-injury. We will provide guidance on appropriate activity levels and work with you to develop a gradual return-to-exercise plan.

When used appropriately, shockwave therapy is considered safe and well-tolerated; therefore, we’re excited to offer it as part of our continued commitment to providing modern, high-quality veterinary care. This technology allows us to expand treatment options and better support our patients through recovery, comfort, and long-term soundness.

If you think shock wave therapy may benefit your animal, don't hesitate to get in touch with our office to learn more or to schedule a consultation!