When Play Turns Painful: Understanding Biceps Tenosynovitis
Dogs are naturally active, relying on their muscles and tendons for running, jumping, and daily movement. However, high-impact activities, repetitive strain, or sudden trauma can lead to biceps tenosynovitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the biceps brachii tendon. This condition often affects sporting, working, and highly active dogs, resulting in lameness, stiffness, and a noticeable reluctance to engage in physical activity. If left untreated, chronic inflammation can lead to degenerative changes, weakening the tendon and increasing the risk of rupture.
Why Traditional Treatments Fall Short
Standard treatment for biceps tenosynovitis typically involves:
- Rest and activity restriction to prevent further damage.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy to improve joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.
- Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation.
While these methods can offer temporary relief, they fail to address the root cause—tendon degeneration. Prolonged use of NSAIDs may also lead to gastrointestinal and kidney complications, while corticosteroid injections can weaken the tendon over time. In severe cases, surgical intervention, such as tenotomy or tenodesis, is considered, but it comes with significant recovery time, potential surgical risks, and post-operative complications. Pet owners and veterinarians are increasingly seeking non-invasive yet effective alternatives—enter shockwave therapy.
The Shockwave Advantage: Why It’s the Smartest Choice
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to accelerate healing in musculoskeletal conditions. In veterinary medicine, focused and radial shockwaves have shown remarkable results in treating tendon and ligament injuries, including biceps tenosynovitis.
Here’s how shockwave therapy works for canine biceps tenosynovitis:
- Stimulates Cellular Regeneration – Encourages the production of new, healthy tendon fibers, reversing degenerative changes.
- Increases Vascularization – Enhances blood flow and oxygenation, crucial for reducing inflammation and expediting tissue repair.
- Breaks Down Fibrotic Tissue – Dissolves calcifications and scar tissue, restoring tendon elasticity and function.
- Activates Natural Pain Modulation – Triggers the release of endogenous analgesic substances, reducing pain without drugs.
- Improves Joint Flexibility & Strength – Encourages collagen synthesis, essential for long-term tendon resilience and mobility.
Unlike medications that merely mask pain or surgeries that require prolonged downtime, shockwave therapy stimulates true healing at a cellular level, providing long-term relief and functional restoration.
Will It Hurt Your Lovely Dog?
One of the most common concerns among pet owners is whether shockwave therapy is painful. The treatment itself is well-tolerated by most dogs and typically requires no anesthesia. However, in cases where a dog is particularly sensitive to touch or has a severe injury, mild sedation may be used to keep them calm and relaxed. A single session lasts 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition. While some dogs experience immediate improvement, most see significant progress after 3 to 5 sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart. Minimal downtime is required, meaning dogs can gradually return to normal activity levels following treatment.
Get Your Dog Back in Motion – The Future of Recovery is Here
Gone are the days when surgery or long-term medication were the only options for treating biceps tenosynovitis. Shockwave therapy is revolutionizing veterinary rehabilitation, providing rapid recovery, reduced inflammation, and restored mobility without the risks associated with invasive procedures.
For dog owners looking for a safe, drug-free, and evidence-backed treatment, shockwave therapy offers an effective solution to keep their pets active, happy, and pain-free. Whether your furry companion is a professional agility competitor or simply enjoys an active lifestyle, this advanced therapy ensures they can run, jump, and play without discomfort.
Looking for the best shockwave therapy device for dogs? The SWave-200 is a veterinarian-trusted shockwave therapy machine, offering high precision, customizable settings, and clinically proven effectiveness for canine rehabilitation. Learn more now!