Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure that is completely NEEDLELESS which treats both acute/chronic orthopedic injuries especially tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and Achilles tendonosis. It can be used alone or in conjunction with a Regenerative Procedure. Because ESWT is performed outside the body, many of the costs that occur due to surgery have been eliminated. We are very proud to be one of the few clinics in the US and East Coast that is currently offering this Radial and Focused Shockwave technology to our patients.
How it Works
Shockwave Therapy or ESWT was first introduced to break up kidney and gallstones, but has since become a revolutionary alternative to combating orthopedic issues (with many research studies and trials). Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) relieves musculoskeletal pain by converting kinetic energy into sound energy. It is then transmitted to the tissues causing the pain. This in turn breaks up scar tissue/adhesions, promotes growth factors, stimulates circulation, causes the development of new cells, and decreases inflammation.
There are two types of Shockwave Therapy: Radial and Focused. Radial is very common and can be performed by allied health professionals. Focused can only be performed by a physician. We offer both to our patients with the Swiss Storz Duolith machines.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial Shockwave Therapy gives off the most amount of power at the site it’s being used, but does not go very deep. Due to this, radial is best for soft tissue injuries, myofascial release, superficial adhesions, scar tissue and trigger points. It is also great for muscle issues as it spreads outwards (e.g., radially).
Focused Shockwave Therapy
Focused Shockwave Therapy has a deeper penetration precisely targeting the issue. It is not dispersed like Radial. This allows for greater accuracy as well as being able to target tissue closer to the bone and even treat bone lesions such as poorly healing or unhealed fractures (nonunion), stress fractures, or BMLs (Bone Marrow Lesions).
The Procedure
Keeping the patient comfortable and out of pain is our number one priority. The initial application is a massager with a Shockwave Therapy attachment over the injured area’s region to increase blood flow before the Radial and Focus treatments. Gel is then added to the patient’s body part that is being treated and either Focus or Radial (or both) Shockwave Therapy is performed. The doctor will be continuously asking if the patient is okay, not in pain and can handle the levels of the shockwave throughout the procedure. A typical treatment lasts up to 20 minutes. There is no need for pain medicine or even a local anesthetic.
Healing Process
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) causes the creation of new tissue cells in the injured area. There can be mild bruising, tingling and soreness in the area directly afterwards although some patients experience a degree of immediate relief from pain after Shockwave Therapy. However, it usually takes about 2 months for the injury to completely heal naturally. The number of treatments on an average is 4-5 sessions, but it also does depend on the extent of the injury and how quickly the patient heals. Unlike surgery, there is NO DOWNTIME after a treatment session which means that there is no need to take off from work or to limit one’s lifestyle.
Benefits
- NEEDLELESS
- No downtime
- Very low risk
- Low cost in comparison to surgery
- Great for unresolved tendon injuries