At ELvation USA Vet, we are proud to support veterinary practices like Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (VSMR) of Homer Glen, Illinois, whose expertise—combined with our PiezoWave2T technology—makes remarkable recoveries possible. One recent success story is Ivan, a 4½-year-old Belgian Sheepdog and high-level canine athlete, who faced a challenging diagnosis that threatened his promising career in competitive dog sports. Thanks to the dedicated care team at VSMR and the precision of PiezoWave shockwave therapy, Ivan is back in the ring, earning titles and doing what he loves most.
Meet Ivan
Ivan isn’t your average companion. As a working Belgian Sheepdog, Ivan competes at an elite level in Agility, Obedience, Conformation, Rally, and Tracking. His owners, Angela and Bill, describe him as driven, athletic, and eager to perform. Ivan’s journey into their lives was intentional—Angela had experience with Belgian Sheepdogs and sought another to join their family and competition team. Ivan quickly distinguished himself in the sport world, earning multiple titles and gaining recognition for his focus, speed, and precision.
But in early 2023, Ivan’s trajectory changed.
A Challenging Diagnosis
In April 2023, Ivan began showing signs of discomfort. What started as subtle shifts in behavior—reluctance to perform certain movements, favoring one side—soon escalated to noticeable lameness and pain in both shoulders. His veterinarian delivered a diagnosis that no canine athlete wants to hear: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a painful orthopedic condition caused by abnormal cartilage development in joints.
For Ivan, OCD threatened to sideline not only his competition schedule but also his quality of life. Determined to give him the best chance at recovery, Angela turned to a trusted veterinary friend for guidance. The recommendation was clear: Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (VSMR) of Homer Glen.
The VSMR Approach—Powered by ELvation
VSMR, led by Dr. Amber Ihrke and her team of rehabilitation specialists, is renowned for its comprehensive, multimodal approach to sports medicine and rehabilitation. As a long-standing ELvation customer, VSMR integrates PiezoWave shockwave therapy into its treatment protocols to address soft tissue injuries, orthopedic conditions, and chronic pain with precision and consistency.
When Ivan arrived at VSMR, he was experiencing bilateral shoulder lameness. Dr. Ihrke and her team designed a targeted rehabilitation plan that included PiezoWave shockwave therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, and ongoing maintenance care.
“Ivan came to us with bilateral shoulder issues causing him discomfort and lameness,” says Dr. Amber Ihrke. “With targeted shockwave therapy, massage, and hydrotherapy, we were able to get him feeling much better—and back to agility!”
Why PiezoWave Shockwave?
PiezoWave shockwave therapy stands apart from other technologies because of its focused, precise energy delivery, enabling deep tissue penetration without discomfort. The non-invasive nature of the technology allows for faster recovery times and reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals, both of which were critical in Ivan’s case.
The high-energy pulses generated by PiezoWave encourage the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the regeneration of tendons and ligaments. For Ivan’s OCD-related shoulder pain, shockwave therapy was a vital component in accelerating healing and restoring function.
The Road to Recovery
Ivan’s rehabilitation program at VSMR began shortly after his diagnosis. Over the course of several weeks, PiezoWave shockwave treatments were administered alongside massage therapy and hydrotherapy, gradually decreasing his discomfort and improving his range of motion.
Angela recalls the transformation:
“From the very beginning, the doctors and staff at VSMR were exceptional—so kind and supportive. You can read about all the wonderful care they provided to help Ivan recover. We couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
By September 2023, just five months after his diagnosis, Ivan had made a full return to training and competition. His recovery was a testament not only to his resilience and athleticism but also to the advanced rehabilitation technologies and care at VSMR, including PiezoWave shockwave therapy.
Ivan’s Incredible Comeback
Since resuming his activities, Ivan has added several new accomplishments to his impressive resume. Between September
2023 and early 2024, he earned:
- Eight Agility titles
- One Rally title
- Completion of his Grand Champion title in Conformation
Ivan’s official AKC registered name—CH Creekwind Farm Elon Dusoleil CD RM MX AXJ XF NFP BCAT CGC TKN—tells the story of a dog whose talents span disciplines, and whose recovery has allowed him to continue reaching new heights.
Angela attributes much of Ivan’s success to the comprehensive, ongoing care he receives:
“We are continuing with a maintenance plan that includes chiropractic care, massage, and shockwave therapy to keep him performing at his best.”
Dr. Brittany Ludwig of VSMR says, “Ivan is such a joy to have in the clinic. He’s a regal, polite boy, and we’re lucky to help him continue doing what he loves.”
Why Clinics Choose PiezoWave Shockwave Therapy
Ivan’s story highlights how practices like VSMR rely on the PiezoWave2T for its non-invasive, precise energy delivery and ease of use in targeted treatments. It consistently delivers results in managing chronic pain and promoting tissue regeneration, leading to higher client satisfaction, practice growth, and an enhanced reputation.
The ELvation Advantage for Your Practice
At ELvation USA, we’re honored to partner with leading veterinary practices like VSMR, who set the standard for canine rehabilitation and sports medicine. By incorporating PiezoWave shockwave therapy into their treatment plans, clinics deliver consistent, effective outcomes, helping dogs like Ivan recover faster, stay active longer, and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
With PiezoWave2T, practices can offer advanced, drug-free treatment options that appeal to owners of competitive dogs, working animals, and beloved pets alike.
Inspired by Ivan? Learn More.
Ivan’s recovery and return to competitive sport are shining examples of what’s possible with advanced veterinary shockwave therapy. His comeback story is a powerful reminder that rehabilitation doesn’t end with recovery—it continues through proactive care and high-quality treatment technologies.
If you’d like to learn how ELvation’s PiezoWave shockwave therapy can elevate your veterinary practice and help more patients like Ivan, contact us today.
ELvation USA is the exclusive distributor of PiezoWave shockwave therapy systems in veterinary medicine. Our mission is to empower veterinary professionals with advanced, non-invasive technology that delivers results.
