Is Shockwave Therapy For Dogs The Solution To Chronic Pain? Find Out Now
- Just Healthy
- Nov 7, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jan 7
Yes, shockwave therapy for dogs is very effective, reducing pain by up to 80% and improving movement after just a few sessions, making it a great option for chronic pain.
Key Highlights
Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive solution for dogs, reducing pain and improving mobility without the risks of surgery or long-term medication.
Clinical studies show that shockwave therapy can cut healing time by up to 30% and improve pain scores by 70% in dogs with conditions like arthritis and tendon injuries.
While each session costs between $400 and $800, shockwave therapy is often covered by pet insurance, making it a cost-effective investment for your dog’s long-term health.
Table of Contents
What Is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Dogs?
Shockwave therapy for dogs is more than a medical treatment—it’s a transformative solution for pets suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues.
For many pet owners, it’s heartbreaking to watch their dog struggle to climb stairs, limp after walks, or lie down with visible discomfort.
Shockwave therapy offers a way to bring these dogs back to a life of movement, play, and joy. It’s about alleviating their pain, restoring their ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of being a dog, and giving owners peace of mind knowing they’ve chosen an effective, compassionate solution.
And it’s not new—shockwave therapy has been used in human medicine for over 30 years and was adapted for dogs in the late 1990s.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Dogs?
Shockwave therapy for dogs works by generating high-energy acoustic waves to deliver mechanical force to targeted tissues, stimulating biological processes that repair and regenerate damaged or diseased areas.
It is Not an Electric Shock It is a common misconception that this therapy involves electrocution. It does not.
The machine produces high-energy sound waves, similar to the deep vibration you might feel in your chest when a large dog barks nearby, but focused on a specific point.
Two Types of Therapy Generally, veterinarians use two types of technology depending on the injury:
Radial Shockwave: This spreads energy over a wider area (like a spray) and is best for tight muscles and surface-level stiffness.
Focused Shockwave: This acts like a "sniper," sending energy deep into the body to target specific joints, tendons, or bones.
These sound waves travel through the skin and soft tissue to the treatment area, creating mechanical stress and microtrauma at the cellular level. This controlled “injury” initiates a cascade of physiological responses that promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
How Does it Benefit Dogs in Recovery and Pain Relief?
Shockwave therapy helps dogs recover by reducing pain, improving blood flow, and stimulating tissue healing for faster recovery.
It accelerates healing in injured tissues, alleviates discomfort, and supports long-term recovery in dogs by improving several key functions:
Improves Blood Flow
Builds Collagen
Reduces Pain
Helps Cells Repair Faster
Stops Pain Signals
Calms Nerves
Reduces Swelling
Shockwave vs. Laser Therapy: What’s the Difference?
Many owners confuse these two treatments.
While laser therapy uses light to treat surface-level inflammation, shockwave therapy uses sound. Sound waves physically penetrate much deeper than light, allowing them to reach deep hip joints and thick muscles that laser therapy cannot touch.
Furthermore, unlike painkillers (NSAIDs) which mask pain, shockwave therapy "wakes up" the cells to stimulate actual tissue repair.
What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Help With?
Arthritis
Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Hip Dysplasia
Slow-Healing Wounds
For arthritis, it improves mobility and significantly decreases joint pain, with clinical studies showing an 80% success rate in alleviating symptoms.
In cases of hip dysplasia, the therapy reduces inflammation and relieves pain, providing noticeable improvement in comfort and movement for many treated dogs.
For tendon and ligament injuries, shockwave therapy accelerates healing times, allowing dogs to recover faster and return to their normal activities with stronger and more resilient tissues.
What Happens During Shockwave Therapy for Dogs?
During shockwave therapy, a veterinarian uses a special device called a focused therapy probe to deliver high-energy acoustic waves to the specific area of pain or injury. The process is non-invasive, meaning no surgery or cuts are involved.
Each session lasts about 5–20 minutes, and the waves are carefully applied to stimulate healing in the targeted treatment area. Some dogs may need mild sedation to help them stay calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Post-Treatment Care: The 72-Hour Rule
There is one golden rule for aftercare. Because shockwave therapy has an immediate pain-numbing effect, your dog may feel better than they have in years right after the session. They might try to run or jump.
You must restrict their activity for 3 days: Do not let them run freely. Because they cannot feel the pain, they risk overdoing it and re-injuring the area before the healing process has truly begun. Stick to short leash walks only for 72 hours.
How to Find Shockwave Therapy for Dogs Near Me
Finding a provider can be the tricky part. A standard neighborhood vet clinic often will not have a shockwave machine because the equipment is highly specialized and expensive.
If you are searching for treatment, do not just look for any general veterinarian. To find the right experts, look for clinics that mention:
Canine Rehabilitation: These are "physical therapy" centers for dogs, and they almost always offer shockwave therapy as part of their recovery programs.
Veterinary Sports Medicine: These clinics specialize in treating agility, hunting, or working dogs and are usually equipped with the latest healing technology.
CCRP or CCRT Certifications: These letters stand for Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner/Therapist. If you see a vet with these credentials, they are the experts specifically trained to use these machines effectively.
By seeking out a specialist, you ensure that your dog is receiving the correct "dosage" and frequency of shockwaves for their specific condition.
Costs of Shockwave Therapy for Dogs
While a single session typically costs between $300 and $600, most specialists recommend a series of three treatments and offer a discounted bundle price of approximately $1,000 for the full initial course.
Compared to surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars and requires long recovery times, shockwave therapy is much less expensive and doesn’t involve risks like infections or complications from anesthesia.
It also saves money over time when compared to ongoing medications that may need to be used for years. So while the upfront cost may seem high, the long-term savings and improved quality of life for your dog make it a smart investment.
Another alternative is to acquire a shockwave therapy machine for home use and gradually treat your dog there.
Is Shockwave Therapy Covered by Pet Insurance?
Yes, many pet insurance plans cover shockwave therapy. In fact, 60% of plans include it in their coverage.
If you have pet insurance, check your policy. Providers like Trupanion and Embrace typically cover 50-90% of the cost when a vet prescribes it.
This can make a big difference in how affordable the treatment is. Always confirm with your insurance provider before starting therapy to avoid surprises.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe for All Dogs?
Shockwave therapy is generally safe for dogs but may not be suitable for specific conditions or health situations.
Conditions or Situations Where Shockwave Therapy Might Not Be Safe:
Dogs with blood clotting disorders.
Presence of active infections in the treatment area.
Dogs diagnosed with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment.
Areas with open wounds or severe skin lesions.
Pregnant dogs (as a precaution for potential side effects).
Dogs with severe neurological issues affecting pain perception.
Recent surgical sites that are still healing and unstable.
Success Stories: Dogs Healed with Shockwave Therapy
One notable case involved a randomized canine clinical trial where dogs with superficial digital flexor tendonitis underwent extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in healing rates compared to the control group. Using ultrasound gel during the procedure ensured precise targeting of the affected treatment area, accelerating the healing process without adverse effects.
Another inspiring success story features a dog recovering from a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. After just one to three treatments with radial shockwave therapy, the dog showed a positive outcome, with improved ground reaction forces and reduced pain. The use of therapeutic exercise alongside the therapy further enhanced the results.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy is an exciting option for helping dogs with chronic pain, arthritis, tendon injuries, and even bone healing. It’s a non-invasive treatment that offers real, lasting benefits with fewer risks compared to surgery or long-term medication.
Many dogs show significant improvement in mobility and pain relief, and the results can last for months.
While the upfront cost of shockwave therapy can be high, it’s an investment that could save you money in the long run by reducing the need for other treatments. Plus, many pet insurance plans cover it, making it more affordable than you might think.
If your dog is struggling with pain or mobility issues, shockwave therapy might be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Talk to your vet to see if it’s the right choice for your dog. With the potential to greatly improve your dog’s quality of life, it’s a treatment worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shockwave Therapy for Dogs?
Shockwave therapy (or extracorporeal shock wave therapy) is a cutting-edge treatment in veterinary medicine that uses sound waves to target soft tissue injuries, enhance bone healing, and support the healing process for conditions like chronic pain and arthritis pain.
How Does Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Work?
This therapy involves generating shock waves that penetrate the treatment site to stimulate an inflammatory response, improve blood supply, and promote tissue regeneration. The procedure uses high-energy focused or radial shock wave therapy, depending on the dog’s condition.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat in Dogs?
Shockwave therapy is highly effective for treating tendon and ligament injuries, including cranial cruciate ligament rupture; managing chronic inflammation and chronic conditions like arthritis; aiding wound healing and skin flap healing after surgery; enhancing recovery from procedures like tibial plateau leveling osteotomy; and treating soft tissue injuries while improving naturally occurring osteoarthritis in dogs.
Are There Clinical Studies Supporting Shock Wave Therapy?
Yes, randomized canine clinical trials, published clinical research, and systematic reviews confirm the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for treating chronic conditions, improving mobility, and providing pain relief. These studies often show a statistically significant difference in recovery compared to the control group.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy uses lower-energy pressure waves to treat superficial injuries and provide therapeutic exercise benefits. It complements musculoskeletal shockwave therapy for conditions like elbow osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries.
How Many Treatment Sessions are Needed?
Most dogs require one to three treatments spaced out over several weeks. Each treatment session is tailored to the treatment area to ensure optimal recovery and positive outcomes.
What is the Role of Shockwave Therapy in the Healing Process?
Shock wave treatments accelerate the healing process by improving the blood supply, reducing chronic inflammation, and aiding in tissue regeneration. This is particularly useful for ligament injuries, bone healing, and wound healing.
Are There Adverse Effects Reported?
Few adverse effects have been reported. Shockwave therapy is considered safe when performed by a trained professional using appropriate energy settings and ultrasound gel to focus the therapy on the desired treatment site.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Compare to Traditional Treatments?
Compared to surgery or medication, shockwave therapy provides non-invasive, effective relief for chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. It is often combined with therapeutic exercises for improved outcomes.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy for Companion Animals?
Shockwave therapy offers companion animals an effective way to relieve pain, treat chronic conditions, and support recovery from injuries with minimal downtime and a high rate of positive outcomes.
Is Further Research Being Conducted?
Yes, clinical trials and ongoing systematic reviews continue to explore the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock waves, radial shockwave therapy, and their applications in both small animal medicine and human medicine.