Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear, clinician focused answers about
focused shockwave therapy with the PiezoWave2T VET.

Questions about Equine Care
Questions about Small Animal Care
Shockwave Therapy
What is a shockwave?

A shockwave is an acoustic pressure wave characterized by very high peak pressure (≥100 MPa), a nanosecond rise time, and a brief low-tensile phase. The full pulse is completed within 10 microseconds.

What is PiezoWave2T VET and how does it differ from other focused shockwave devices?
PiezoWave2T-Vet shockwave uses a piezoelectric generator in which piezoceramic elements within the therapy source convert electrical energy directly into focused acoustic pressure waves. The focal zone is formed within the tissue itself, allowing precise targeting by depth and energy flux density (EFD). Compared with electrohydraulic and electromagnetic systems, piezoelectric shockwave provides directly focused energy without reflector scatter, greater specificity in EFD and penetration depth, integrated biofeedback, reduced acoustic noise, and improved patient tolerance.
What is the mechanism of action?
PiezoWave2T VET shockwave acts via mechanotransduction, converting mechanical stimuli into biological responses. At the target tissue, shockwaves promote increased perfusion, growth factor release, and cell proliferation to support tissue healing. It also modulates nociceptive signaling, producing an analgesic effect that typically persists for approximately 72 hours post-treatment.
Can published electrohydraulic or electromagnetic shockwave literature be applied to PiezoWave2T VET protocols?
Yes, with appropriate interpretation. All focused shockwave modalities, electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric, act through mechanotransduction and initiate the same biological responses when sufficient energy is delivered. However, focal zone size, geometry, and volume differ between technologies so direct protocol matching is not appropriate. When these differences and the reported EFD values are taken into account, published studies can provide valuable protocol insights for clinicians using PiezoWave2T VET shockwave.
Who may purchase a veterinary shockwave device?
Veterinary shockwave devices are regulated medical devices and must be purchased by, or under the authorization of, a licensed veterinarian.
Can veterinary technicians administer shockwave therapy?
Yes. Veterinary technicians and rehabilitation therapists may administer shockwave therapy, subject to applicable state veterinary practice acts and the protocols of the supervising veterinarian.
Equine
What equine conditions are commonly treated with PiezoWave2T Vet shockwave?
PiezoWave2T Vet is used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in equine patients. Common indications include tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis and joint pain, caudal heel pain, chronic back and neck pain, myofascial pain, and wounds.
What is a typical treatment length and schedule?
Most treatments take approximately 3-15 minutes, depending on the size of the horse and the area treated. A series of 3–6 treatments is commonly recommended to support tissue healing, with sessions typically scheduled every 2 weeks. Regardless of interval, the treatment series should be completed within the appropriate tissue healing window.
Is PiezoWave2T Vet shockwave therapy painful for equine patients?
PiezoWave2T Vet shockwave can typically be administered with minimal to no discomfort. Most horses tolerate treatment calmly and relax during the session. A small number of patients, particularly those with significant pain, anxiety, or acutely inflamed tissue, may show sensitivity, but energy parameters can be adjusted to maintain patient comfort.
Is sedation required?
Sedation is rarely required. The PiezoWave2T Vet operates quietly and offers highly customizable parameters that are well tolerated by most equine patients. Because patient feedback helps optimize treatment delivery, it is recommended to treat non-sedated patients when feasible.
Can horses remain in work following shockwave therapy?
In many cases, yes. Because PiezoWave2T Vet is well tolerated, controlled exercise may be resumed the day after treatment, depending on the case, injury, and supervising veterinarian’s judgment.

However, a post-treatment analgesic period of approximately 72 hours is expected. To reduce the risk of injury during this window, horses should not be subjected to high-intensity or uncontrolled exercise until the analgesic effect has resolved.

Can horses compete following shockwave therapy?
This depends on the rules of the relevant equine sport or regulatory body and varies by discipline. In many cases, shockwave therapy is prohibited within a defined period prior to competition. These restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of injury during high-intensity activity while post-treatment analgesia remains in effect. Clinicians and owners should consult the applicable rulebook or governing body prior to scheduling treatment around competition.
Small Animal
What small animal conditions are commonly treated with PiezoWave2T Vet?

PiezoWave2T Vet is used for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in small animal patients. Common indications include osteoarthritis and joint pain, tendon and ligament injuries, post-surgical recovery, fracture healing and non-union bone, chronic back pain, myofascial pain, and wounds.

What is a typical treatment length and schedule?
Most treatments take approximately 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the patient and the area being treated. A series of 3–6 treatments is recommended to support tissue healing, with sessions typically scheduled weekly or every 2 weeks. Regardless of interval, the treatment series should be completed within the appropriate tissue healing window.
Is PiezoWave2T Vet therapy painful for small animal patients?
PiezoWave2T Vet shockwave can typically be administered with minimal to no discomfort. Most patients tolerate treatment calmly and often relax during the session. A small number of patients, particularly those with significant pain, anxiety, or acutely inflamed tissue, may show sensitivity but energy parameters can be adjusted in real time to maintain patient comfort.
Is sedation required?
Sedation is rarely necessary. The PiezoWave2T Vet operates quietly and offers highly customizable parameters that are well tolerated by most small animal patients. Because patient biofeedback helps optimize treatment delivery, treating non-sedated patients is recommended when feasible.
Can PiezoWave2T Vet shockwave be integrated into a physical rehabilitation appointment?
Yes. Because treatment is well tolerated, PiezoWave2T therapy can be incorporated into a full rehabilitation visit. Depending on the specific case and the veterinary recommendation patients may participate in controlled therapeutic exercise before or after the shockwave session.
Would you like to learn more about the PiezoWave2T VET shockwave system?

Our team will answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about adding focused shockwave therapy to your toolbox.