Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy – Highly Effective Pain Treatment

Shockwaves are transient acoustic waves which have the unique ability to transmit high energy peaks. The high energy generated can be used to both disintegrate and heal.

These days, Shockwave therapy (SWT) is supported by clinical studies presenting its healing and reparative effects on the tissue. Shockwave therapy studies report over 80% success of relieving patients of their problem and decreasing or eliminating painful manifestations of the issue. It has been approved, tested and is used by a countless number of physicians all around the world. It is used to treat both out patient clients and top Olympic athletes. 

Shockwave devices are commonly used in the fields of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, orthopedics. It is also used in veterinary medicine, aesthetics, or dermatology.

Mechanism of Action

Shockwave is an acoustic wave which carries high energy to painful spots and myo skeletal tissues with subacute, sub chronic and chronic conditions. Shockwaves are defined by the shape of the pulse and energy/pressure which is typically from 1 to 5 bar. The energy values of the BTL Shockwave therapy devices are low enough to deliver gentle therapy, but high enough to promote physiological changes to the tissue and trigger healing, reparative and regenerative processes.

Upon contact with the skin, acoustic waves penetrate the tissue non-invasively and promote overall medical effects of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia, and mobility restoration.

Medical Effects

Acoustic waves with high energy peak used in Shockwave therapy interact with tissue causing overall medical effects of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia, and mobility restoration. There are several key effects which are typically employed simultaneously. New blood vessel formation is caused by the SWT through creating capillary micro ruptures in tendon and bone, thus triggering repair processes. Reversal of chronic inflammation is achieved by increasing mast cell activity. Shockwave also stimulates collagen production by accelerating the procollagen synthesis. One of the praised effects of the SWT is breaking up the calcium build-up in calcific disorders and triggering dispersion of pain mediators and releasing trigger points.

• Dispersion of Pain Mediator Substance
• Stimulation of Collagen Production
• New Blood Vessel Formation
• Reversal of Chronic Inflammation
• Dissolution of Calcified Fibroblasts
• Release of Trigger Points

FAQs

Will Shockwave therapy help me?

Most patients with chronic pain problems have been through various unsuccessful types of treatments. Up to 80% of the same patients worldwide report the SWT has helped them eliminate their problem.

Does the treatment hurt?

There may be slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain the patient is already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatment lasts only about five minutes, most patients are able to tolerate this discomfort. Additionally, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the process.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than one (3 to 5) treatment. Very often though, you will experience relief right after the first treatment.

How often will I need the treatment?

Most indications require 3 to5 treatments which are done 3 to 10 days apart depending on the patient’s tolerance and their tissue response.

Will I feel any pain after the treatment?

Most patients will experience an immediate pain relief following the treatment. However, within 2 to 4 hours after the treatment, they may experience some soreness in the treated area. This soreness has been reported as tolerable and not limiting.

Are there any restriction after the treatment?

It is recommended that patients refrain from physical activity, especially one that would involve the treated region, for about 48 hours following each treatment session.

Indications

The BLT Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive solution for chronic musculoskeletal pain. The Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is frequently used in physiotherapy, orthopedics, and sports medicine. Applications are mostly associated with the treatment of chronic muscular and tendon disorders, back and cervical pain. Most common indications include: painful shoulder, epicondylitis, low back pain, Achilles tendon pain, tendonitis and trigger points.

• Painful Shoulder
• Tennis Elbow
• Calcifications
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Hip Pain
• Jumper’s Knee
• Chronic Tendinopathy
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Spur
• Hamstring strain
• Trigger points over neck and back