Shockwave Therapy (with shock waves)

Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves)

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Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy shock waves to promote healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. The shock waves are generated outside the body and transmitted through the skin to the affected area.

Mechanism of Action

Shockwave therapy works by inducing a controlled microtrauma in the targeted tissues. This microtrauma triggers a natural healing response, promoting the release of growth factors, stimulating blood flow, and facilitating the breakdown of calcified deposits, if present. The therapy aims to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and alleviate pain.

Table 1: Potential Applications of Shockwave Therapy

The application of shockwave therapy is typically performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or orthopedic specialist. The therapy sessions are usually short, and multiple sessions may be required depending on the condition and individual response.

The Role of Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves)

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in various musculoskeletal conditions. The shock waves are applied to the affected area, creating micro-trauma that triggers the body's natural healing response. This therapy has been widely used in the treatment of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder calcification, and other tendon and bone disorders.

Indications for Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves)

Shockwave therapy is typically recommended for the following conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis: A common cause of heel pain, often resulting from inflammation or small tears in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): A condition characterized by pain and tenderness in the outer part of the elbow, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
• Shoulder calcification (calcific tendonitis): The formation of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Achilles tendinopathy: Degeneration or inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
• Bone non-union or delayed union: Shockwave therapy can stimulate the healing process in cases where a broken bone has failed to heal properly.

Preparation for the Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves) Procedure

The preparation for Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves) typically involves the following steps:

• Medical history review: Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any existing conditions, medications, and previous treatments, to ensure that Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
• Avoiding certain medications: Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, as they may increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with the treatment.
• Fasting: In some cases, you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure to prevent nausea or vomiting.
• Skin preparation: The area to be treated may need to be cleaned and shaved to ensure proper contact between the shockwave applicator and the skin.

Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves) Procedure

During the Shockwave Therapy procedure, you may be positioned comfortably, and the treatment area will be identified. The shockwave applicator will be placed on the skin, and a coupling gel may be applied to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves. The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves will be adjusted based on your condition and the treatment area. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

How Shockwave Therapy (With Shock Waves) is Performed

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. This therapy is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and certain bone injuries.

During the procedure, a specialized device is used to generate and focus the shock waves onto the targeted area of the body. These shock waves create microdamage in the targeted tissues, which triggers a healing response from the body. This response can help break down calcifications, increase blood flow, and promote the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Shockwave therapy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and may require multiple sessions, depending on the condition being treated. It is considered a safe and effective treatment option, with minimal side effects reported.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-is-shockwave-therapy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586112/
https://healthcare.utah.edu/mens-health/conditions/erectile-dysfunction/shockwave-therapy

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience pain or worsening symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified medical specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan. For the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.