Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing in injured tissues.
It is commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain and injuries in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.
Shockwave therapy is widely used in physiotherapy, sports medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation to treat a variety of conditions and is often chosen for its effectiveness in reducing pain and promoting healing without the need for invasive procedures.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
- Application: A handheld device is used to deliver shockwaves through the skin to the affected area. The therapy can be administered in two forms: focused shockwaves, which target a specific point within the body, and radial shockwaves, which are spread out over a larger area.
- Mechanism: The shockwaves create micro-traumas in the targeted tissues, which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. This includes increasing blood flow, encouraging the formation of new blood vessels, and promoting the release of growth factors.
- Effects: The therapy helps to reduce pain and inflammation, break down calcifications in soft tissues, and improve mobility and function in the treated area.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
- Application: A handheld device is used to deliver shockwaves through the skin to the affected area. The therapy can be administered in two forms: focused shockwaves, which target a specific point within the body, and radial shockwaves, which are spread out over a larger area.
- Mechanism: The shockwaves create micro-traumas in the targeted tissues, which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. This includes increasing blood flow, encouraging the formation of new blood vessels, and promoting the release of growth factors.
- Effects: The therapy helps to reduce pain and inflammation, break down calcifications in soft tissues, and improve mobility and function in the treated area.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Pain Relief: Effectively reduces pain associated with chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and shoulder pain.
- Non-Invasive: As a non-surgical treatment, it avoids the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
- Quick Sessions: Treatments are typically quick, usually lasting about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
- Promotes Healing: Accelerates the healing process by stimulating blood flow and tissue regeneration.
- Minimal Side Effects: Generally considered safe with minimal side effects, such as mild discomfort or swelling at the treatment site.
