Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is the transcutaneous application of high-energy acoustic waves used to promote healing and repair of tissues, this modality is most effective on tendons, ligaments and bone. The technology arose from focused shockwave machines used to break up kidney stones (Lithotripsy) in the 1980s.

Northstar Veterinary Surgery uses the PulseVet ESWT machine. The PulseVet machine uses an electrohydraulic source to produce high intensity sound waves that are focused and projected into the patients tissues. The tissues absorb the energy, which results in multiple effects including; stimulation of new blood vessel formation (neovascularization), induction of growth factors that stimulate healing, disintegration of tissue mineralization and local analgesia. This modality is markedly different from something like laser therapy in that it can penetrate and treat tissues up to 4-5 cm from the skin surface.

While the new X-trode is less painful than previous generations of the device, in almost every case, your pet will need to be sedated for each session. Dr. Davies will always make an evaluation of your pet prior to any treatment recommendations.