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Shockwave Therapy

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FAQ

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to promote healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue injuries. This therapy is also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or acoustic wave therapy.

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, which triggers a series of physiological responses in the body. The mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed that the acoustic waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair.

What conditions can be treated with Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy has been used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue injuries, including chronic tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and non-healing wounds.

What happens during a Shockwave Therapy treatment?

Before undergoing shockwave therapy, patients will typically be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine if the treatment is appropriate for their condition. During the treatment session, high-energy acoustic waves are delivered to the affected area using a hand-held device.

What are the benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers several benefits, including pain relief, improved mobility, and a non-invasive alternative to surgery. The treatment can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, leading to reduced inflammation and accelerated tissue repair.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with Shockwave Therapy?

While shockwave therapy is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment, there are some potential risks and side effects, including pain or discomfort during the procedure, bruising, swelling, and temporary increase in pain or symptoms.

Key Takeaways

  • Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to promote healing and reduce pain.
  • It has been used for decades to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue injuries.
  • The treatment works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process, improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair.
  • Acoustic wave therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) are other terms used to describe this treatment.
  • Shockwave therapy is considered a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for managing various musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue injuries.

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses shockwaves to promote healing in various
musculoskeletal conditions. These shockwaves are high-energy sound waves that are directed at the affected area of the body, initiating a cascade of mechanical and cellular effects that lead to regeneration and healing of tissues (Schroeder et al., 2021).

How does ESWT work?

ESWT works through several mechanisms, including:

  1. Stimulation of Healing: Shockwaves stimulate the release of growth factors and other substances that promote tissue regeneration and repair.
  2. Pain Reduction: ESWT may help reduce pain by disrupting pain signals and increasing blood flow to the affected area.
  3. Breakdown of Scar Tissue: ESWT can break down scar tissue and calcifications, improving mobility and reducing stiffness in the affected area.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: ESWT has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce swelling and improve healing.

What conditions can ESWT treat?

ESWT has been used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
  • Hip bursitis
  • Chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy
  • Non-healing fractures

Is ESWT safe?

ESWT is generally considered safe when performed by trained healthcare professionals. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, including bruising, swelling, temporary pain, or discomfort during or after the treatment, and in rare cases, skin or nerve irritation, (Schroeder et al., 2021). It is essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before undergoing ESWT.

What is the evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESWT?

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ESWT in treating various musculoskeletal conditions. For example:

  • A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research in 2020 concluded that ESWT is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, with significant improvements in pain and function compared to sham treatment or other interventions
  • A study published in Cureus in 2020 reviewed the outcomes of ESWT for plantar fasciitis and found that it provided significant pain reduction and improvement in function, particularly when combined with other conservative treatments like stretching exercises
  • Another study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, concluded that ESWT was effective in treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), with improvements in pain and function persisting for up to two years after treatment
  • A study published by Wang et al, (2015) found that ESWT is an effective and safe non invasive treatment option for tendon and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally they found.

How many sessions of ESWT are typically needed, and what is the recovery time?

Wang et al., (2015) found that the optimum treatment protocol is three treatment sessions at 1-week intervals, with the highest energy flux density the patient can tolerate and with 2000 impulses per session. However, the number of ESWT sessions required typically depends on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to treatment. Some patients may experience immediate pain relief after the first session, while others may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Recovery time after ESWT is minimal, with most patients able to resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

Are there any contraindications or precautions for ESWT?

ESWT may not be suitable for everyone, and there are certain contraindications and precautions to consider. These may include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Use of anticoagulant medications
  • Certain medical conditions, such as cancer, infections, or nerve disorders
  • Open wounds or infections at the treatment site

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if ESWT is appropriate for your specific condition and medical history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shockwave therapy has emerged as a highly effective and non-invasive treatment option for individuals grappling with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue injuries (Schroeder et al., 2021). By harnessing the power of high-energy acoustic waves, this innovative therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, leading to remarkable outcomes in terms of reduced pain, improved mobility, and accelerated tissue repair.

The growing body of scientific evidence and clinical studies underscores the efficacy of shockwave therapy in addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, from chronic tendinitis to non-healing wounds. As this treatment continues to gain recognition and accessibility, more and more Canadians can look forward to experiencing the transformative benefits it offers, ultimately regaining their quality of life and returning to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

While shockwave therapy may not be the solution for every musculoskeletal condition, it undoubtedly represents a significant advancement in the field of non-invasive pain management and rehabilitation. As healthcare professionals and patients alike continue to explore and embrace this innovative approach, the future of shockwave therapy in Canada remains bright, offering new hope and possibilities for those seeking relief from various musculoskeletal ailments.

References:

Moya-Angeler J., Valentí-Nin JR, Morcillo-López N, Forcada-Guex JM. (2020). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cureus, 12(4): e8385. doi:10.7759/cureus.8385.

Rompe J. D., Meurer A., Nafe B., & Hofmann A. (2002). Repetitive low-energy shock wave application without local anesthesia is more efficient than repetitive low-energy shock wave application with local anesthesia in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 20(4), 888-893.

Schmitz C., Császár N. B., Milz S., Schieker M., Maffulli N., & Rompe J. D. (2013). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: a systematic review on studies listed in the PEDro database. British Medical Bulletin, 106(1), 115–138.

Schroeder, Allison N. MD1; Tenforde, Adam S. MD2; Jelsing, Elena J. MD3. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in the Management of Sports Medicine Injuries. Current Sports Medicine Reports 20(6):p 298-305, June 2021. | DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000851

Wang CJ, Chen HS, Chen CE, Yang KD. (2012). Treatment of lateral epicondylitis of the elbow with shock waves. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 7:11. doi:10.1186/1749-799X-7-11.