Electrocorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
(ESWT)

What is ESWT and when did it originate?
Electrocorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive (no incisions) treatment that involves the delivery of high energy sound waves, or acoustical energy, to affected areas of the body to trigger the body's own natural repair mechanisms and stimulate healing. ESWT was developed from Lithotripsy and has been used successfully by orthopedic specialists for over 25 years, first on humans, then Equines and Small Animals. This procedure represents an innovative alternative treatment option to restore painless mobility, especially in cases where conventional methods and surgery have proven to be unsuccessful.


What is an "extracorporeal shock wave"?
A shockwave is an intense, but very short energy wave traveling faster than the speed of sound.  The word "Extra-corporeal" means "outside the body" and refers to the fact that the shockwaves are generated outside the body. 


How does ESWT work?
This non-surgical procedure uses high-energy shock waves to increase blood flow and stimulate healing. Treatment results have demonstrated that shock wave therapy provides improved blood circulation in the treated pain regions and long-term stimulation of metabolism is achieved in areas which, by nature, are poorly supplied with blood.


What conditions does ESWT treat in dogs?
ESWT has shown to be an effective treatment modality in the following conditions:

1)  Arthritic conditions (ie. hip & elbow dysplasia)
2)  Partial tendon tears
3)  Chronic tendonitis syndromes

What is involved with the ESWT procedure?
The indication for Shock Wave Technology is made after diagnosis by a veterinarian. ESWT is performed on an out-patient basis. Your pet will be dropped off in the morning and picked up that same afternoon. Your pet may be uncomfortable for several days following the procedure. A pain injection will be administered during the procedure and an oral pain medication will be sent home with you. A rest period will be determined based upon the underlying injury. Depending on the diagnosis, 1-3 repeat treatments are recommended (usually 1 month post treatment).