Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic Wave Therapy, commonly called Shockwave Therapy, is coming soon to our office!
This type of therapy is also called:
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (RPW), also known as radial shockwave therapy
- Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSW)
- Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT Therapy)
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Acoustic Wave Therapy, by any name, is a highly advanced, evidence-based therapy treatment that utilizes acoustic shockwaves to break up soft tissue calcifications, enhance collagen synthesis, release growth factors, and activate your body’s healing system to reduce pain and help you stay active. This therapy can enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing of stubborn musculoskeletal conditions in bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Based on the nature of the injury, patients may be able to avoid invasive treatments such as steroid injections or even surgeries. Acoustic Wave Therapy treatment does not require incisions or rehabilitation time. Many patients even see long-term results after only 3 treatments, each treatment taking about 15-20 minutes.
Is Shockwave Safe?
Yes, shockwave therapy is considered very safe, with few side effects. Doctors first began using shockwave therapy in the 1990s, to treat kidney stones. They observed that the treatment appeared to accelerate healing in bone and soft tissues, as well, which led to research into different medical applications of these acoustic wave treatments.
Acoustic Wave Therapy has been the subject of wide-ranging clinical studies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as also cleared the use of Acoustic Wave Therapy. Research conducted over the past 20 years has shown that Acoustic Wave Therapy is effective against chronic pain and inflammation.
For most patients, it has practically no side effects or associated risks with treatment. If the customary therapies or treatments are yet to cure your injury, ESWT could be a viable nonsurgical option. ESWT/EPAT has helped many patients get you back to the activities they love with essentially no side effects or downtime from work or sports.
What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Acting as a mechanical stimulus, it is believed and commonly accepted that ESWT promotes healing via mechanotransduction. Reportedly, the body’s responses include tissue regeneration, wound healing, angiogenesis and bone remodeling.
- Improved blood flow and Reduce Inflammation: Shockwave therapy creates microscopic breaks in tissues, which causes the body to create new blood vessels. This increases blood flow and oxygenation to the area, promoting faster healing. Chronic inflammation causes pain and reduced function. Mast cells help fight inflammation; acoustic waves increase mast cell activity.
- Increased collagen production: Collagen is vital to bone & joint health as it is a key component in the structure of muscle, skin, and connective tissues. Shockwave therapy causes your body to increase collagen production, creating a strong support structure for new cells.
- Reduces calcification: Damaged tendons typically have a buildup of calcium. Acoustic waves break through that calcium buildup, the body then expels it naturally.
- Improved blood flow and Reduce Inflammation: Shockwave therapy creates microscopic breaks in tissues, which causes the body to create new blood vessels. This increases blood flow and oxygenation to the area, promoting faster healing. Chronic inflammation causes pain and reduced function. Mast cells help fight inflammation; acoustic waves increase mast cell activity.
- Increased collagen production: Collagen is vital to bone & joint health as it is a key component in the structure of muscle, skin, and connective tissues. Shockwave therapy causes your body to increase collagen production, creating a strong support structure for new cells.
- Reduces calcification: Damaged tendons typically have a buildup of calcium. Acoustic waves break through that calcium buildup, the body then expels it naturally.
Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Treated with Acoustic Wave Therapy
- Foot/Ankle: Plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendinitis/tendinopathy.
- Elbow/Shoulder: Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), and Rotator cuff tendinitis/calcific tendonitis.
- Knee/Leg: Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinopathy), Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome), and Hamstring tendon issues.
- Hip: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip bursitis).
- Bone Issues: Non-union fractures, stress fractures, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
- Chronic Pain: Trigger points (muscular pain).