Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Arthritis in Dogs: Using Sound Waves to Reduce Pain

At first glance, the name shockwave therapy can sound intimidating.

Fortunately, despite the name, there are no electrical shocks involved.

Instead, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic (sound) waves that are directed into injured tissues and painful joints.

Originally developed to break up kidney stones in people, the technology has evolved dramatically over the past several decades. Today, shockwave therapy is used in both human and veterinary medicine to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions—including arthritis.

For the right patient, it can be another valuable tool for improving comfort and mobility.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy delivers short bursts of high-energy sound waves into targeted tissues.

These sound waves create tiny mechanical forces within the tissue that stimulate a biological response.

Researchers believe these effects may:

• Reduce chronic inflammation.
• Improve blood flow.
• Encourage tissue repair.
• Stimulate new blood vessel formation.
• Decrease pain signaling.
• Promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Like PRP and stem cell therapy, shockwave therapy does not reverse arthritis or regrow damaged cartilage.

Instead, its goal is to improve the health of the surrounding tissues and reduce pain.

Which Pets May Benefit?

Shockwave therapy is most commonly used in dogs, particularly those with:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Elbow dysplasia.
• Shoulder injuries.
• Tendon injuries.
• Ligament injuries.
• Chronic muscle pain.
• Delayed bone healing in certain cases.

Its use in cats is much less common, largely because there is less published research and because many cats are less tolerant of the equipment and handling required.

What Happens During Treatment?

Before treatment, your veterinarian identifies the painful area and clips the fur if needed.

A special gel is applied to help transmit the sound waves.

A handheld probe is placed against the skin, delivering a series of acoustic pulses into the targeted tissues.

Depending on the area being treated and your pet's temperament, light sedation may be recommended to help them remain comfortable and still.

A typical session lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, and most pets go home the same day.

Many treatment plans involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart.

What Does the Research Say?

Shockwave therapy has one of the stronger evidence bases among non-surgical advanced arthritis treatments.

Studies in dogs have shown improvements in:

• Lameness.
• Weight-bearing.
• Mobility.
• Pain scores.
• Overall function.

It has also shown encouraging results for several tendon and ligament injuries.

While more research is always welcome, the existing evidence suggests that shockwave therapy can provide meaningful improvement for carefully selected patients—especially when combined with rehabilitation, weight management, and appropriate pain control.

Is It Safe?

Shockwave therapy is generally considered very safe when performed by trained veterinary professionals.

Potential side effects are usually mild and temporary, including:

• Mild soreness.
• Temporary swelling.
• A brief increase in lameness for a day or two.
• Minor skin irritation where the probe was applied.

Serious complications are uncommon.

Because treatment delivers significant mechanical energy into tissues, your veterinarian will determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your pet's specific condition.

How Does It Compare to Other Treatments?

Owners often ask whether shockwave therapy is better than PRP, stem cells, or acupuncture.

The answer depends on the patient.

Each therapy works differently:

• Shockwave therapy stimulates healing through mechanical energy.
• PRP delivers concentrated growth factors.
• Stem cell therapy provides regenerative signaling cells.
• Acupuncture influences pain pathways through nerve stimulation.

Rather than competing with one another, these treatments are often combined as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

The best treatment plan depends on your pet's diagnosis, overall health, age, activity level, and treatment goals.

My Perspective

Continue learning

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — the next advanced therapy in this section.
• Acupuncture for arthritis — another low-invasiveness option.
• Exercise and physical rehabilitation — shockwave works best alongside rehab.
• Advanced arthritis treatments overview — compare every option side by side.