Two modalities advancing shoulder tendinopathy treatment

In this video, Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CCRT, head of the Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Department at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York, New York, discusses the impact of advanced modalities on treating forelimb lameness. She highlights how shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have specifically revolutionized the management of recurring shoulder tendinopathies, addressing the clinical frustration associated with these persistent injuries.

Alvarez explains that the success of these treatments lies in their ability to reintroduce blood supply and essential growth factors directly to the affected tissues. By stimulating the body’s innate healing capacity, these tools provide a pathway for the full recovery and resolution of lameness, representing a significant advancement in the outcome for patients with complex soft tissue injuries.

Related: Nutraceutical considerations for soft tissue injuries and osteoarthritis

Below is the video transcript, lightly edited for clarity.

Alvarez: Hi. I'm Dr Leilani Alvarez. I'm the head of integrative and rehabilitative medicine at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City.

I think the most exciting advances in treating forelimb lameness are the modalities. Shockwave therapy, in particular, has really revolutionized, at least my treatment, of shoulder tendinopathies. Before I had that tool available to me, it was frustrating because these lamenesses really do recur. The key was bringing that blood supply and those healing cells back to the tissues. Introducing shockwave therapy and PRP, which brings growth factors to those tissues, really helps to set off that healing capacity of the tissues again, where you have the hope again of a recovery and resolution of the lameness. So those are probably the 2 biggest advances—shockwave therapy and PRP—that you can direct at those injured tissues and make a big difference in the outcome.

Related: Simple visual clues to differentiate forelimb lameness issues in dogs