
Shock wave therapy is applied superficially, and its focused, high-energy sound wave is released when it reaches an area of high acoustic impedance, such as a bone-tendon interface or the surface of a cell.

In addition, radial pressure wave devices are also frequently marketed as shock wave generators, but they use mechanical energy (as does a small jackhammer) and do not produce a true shock wave. Both of these generators were developed to disintegrate renal calculi without damaging the surrounding tissue and are considered true shock wave generators only at high-energy settings. Electromagnetic and piezoelectric devices generate less energy and deposit it in a smaller focal area. Electrohydraulic devices are capable of producing the greatest peak energy and largest focal area. There are 3 types of shock wave generators: electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric. The smaller, more convenient VersaTron was launched in 2002, and equine shock wave therapy took off. This work ultimately led to its application in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and the introduction, in 1999, of EquiTron, the first veterinary shock wave device. Early research showed that shock wave energy accelerated bone growth, a fact that motivated investigators to evaluate its effects on other tissue. Shock wave therapy was first used to break up kidney stones in humans (lithotripsy). Although applied externally, these waves can travel through living tissue and induce biological changes that modulate inflammation, decrease pain, and promote healing. However, a shock wave is simply a fast, energy-carrying sound wave. When people hear the term shock wave, they often think of electrical shock.

Do you think they would be interested? What is it? Imagine walking into your practice right now and telling clients that there is a noninvasive, regenerative modality that takes only 3 to 5 minutes per treatment area, requires just 1 to 3 treatments, and is covered by most pet insurance policies. With the launch of the X-Trode by PulseVet, a device that provides quick and effective relief without anesthesia, the technology may soon become a staple of all vets. By offering a clinically proven, safe, and sedation-free solution to intractable conditions and injuries-tendon tears, nonhealing fractures, lick granulomas, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and so on-clinics can enhance their reputation, boost their bottom line, and deliver better patient care.įor more than 20 years, shock wave therapy has been the standard of care for chronic pain and tendon/ligament injuries in equine medicine, but not in small animal medicine because of the need for sedation it previously entailed. Noninvasive medicine is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners as they seek alternative and advanced therapies, irrespective of cost, to improve the quality of life of companion animals.
