What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment method
During therapy, a particular device emitting waves is used. Parameters are set considering the patient's health condition and current test results. A special gel is applied to the head, emitting the shock wave, and then it is used to select areas on the body. The pressure within the treated tissue may increase to 100 MPa, then drop rapidly and become harmful. Thanks to this, the wave penetrates the skin and hits a specific place.
The shock wave propagates radially in the tissues, enabling the treatment of surface diseases and pathological processes in deeper tissues. For example, using an adequately selected wave transmitter, a physiotherapist can perform therapy of trigger points and larger joints, stimulate muscles or perform treatments to reduce cellulite.
Benefits of using a shock wave
- increase microcirculation and metabolism of tissues, improving their blood supply,
- reduce muscle tension,
- anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects,
- accelerate tissue regeneration,
- increase the production of collagen,
- reduce the visibility of scars.
Shockwave therapy
Indications
- plantar fasciitis,
- patellar tendon pain – jumper’s knee,
- inflammation and pain of the Achilles tendon,
- tibialis anterior muscle syndrome,
- hip bursitis (trochanteric),
- tendinopathies and rotator cuff damage – tendon lesions,
- increased muscle tension,
- trigger points,
- overload changes and chronic inflammation,
- enthesopathy (overload changes of muscle attachments),
- calcifications within the acromioclavicular joint,
- shoulder calcifications,
- Dupuytren’s contracture,
- piriformis muscle syndrome,
- intramuscular hematomas,
- iliotibial band syndrome,
- runner’s knee,
- compartment syndrome,
- calcaneal spur.
- cellulite,
- local obesity,
- flabby firming zones,
- skin relaxation,
- lifting,
- liposuction,
- lymphatic drainage.
Contraindications
- pregnancy or suspected pregnancy,
- coagulation disorders,
- cancers,
- growth plate in children,
- demyelinating polyneuropathy,
- infectious inflammation of the tendon sheath,
- proximity to the lung parenchyma in the area of application,
- acute soft tissue/bone infection,
- acute inflammation with swelling of the painful area,
- local epiphysiodesis (desquamation and separation of the epiphyseal cartilage),
- patients with implanted electronic devices (e.g. pacemakers),
- advanced osteoporosis,
- advanced diabetes.
Possible side effects
- hematomas and petechiae, especially with high-energy impulses,
- swelling and worsening of symptoms 2-3 days after shockwave treatment with or without cryotherapy and painkillers,
- feeling of unwanted pain during and after the procedure,
- redness,
- mild numbness,
- tingling.
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