ELECTRO SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Electro Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive approach to treating acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons and joints. ESWT works by targeting shock waves directly to the area triggering pain. Initially developed to break up kidney stones, research shows that many orthopedic injuries improve with ESWT. This non-invasive procedure does not involve needles or surgery. ESWT utilizes acoustic waves to target tissue at varying depths to compress and manipulate tissue resulting in a focused and precise deep tissue massage. The results of the mechanical stimulus delivered by ESWT can lead to increased circulation and pain relief– key components in the healing process.

How it works:

ART primarily focuses on injuries and conditions that result from overused muscles or repetitive motions. When soft tissues are overused, they can experience:

STIMULATES HEALING & REGENERATION

The shockwaves create controlled microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers the body's natural healing response. This includes:

  • Increased blood flow (neovascularization): Promoting the growth of new blood vessels, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area.

  • Cellular regeneration: Stimulating the production of cells like tenocytes (tendon cells) and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) to repair and remodel damaged tissue.

  • Collagen synthesis: Enhancing the production of collagen, a key protein for strong, healthy tissues.

  • Release of growth factors: Activating the release of various growth factors that promote tissue repair.

BREAKS DOWN SCAR TISSUE & CALCIFICATIONS

The mechanical energy of the shockwaves can help to break down tough, disorganized scar tissue and calcified deposits (like those found in some forms of tendinitis). This can improve tissue flexibility and reduce pain.

REDUCES PAIN

ESWT can help reduce pain by:

  • Overstimulating nerve endings: This can desensitize the nerves in the area, leading to a reduction in pain perception.

  • Releasing natural pain-reducing substances: The treatment may stimulate the release of endorphins or other pain modulators.

  • Reducing inflammation: By promoting healing and tissue remodeling, it can help resolve chronic inflammation.

Types of ESWT:

There are generally two main types of ESWT, based on how the waves are generated and how they interact with tissue:

Focused ESWT (fESWT): 

Delivers high-energy, precisely focused shockwaves that penetrate deeply into the tissue, targeting a specific area. This is often used for deeper conditions or breaking down calcifications (like kidney stones, its original application).

Radial ESWT (rESWT) / Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (RPWT):

Generates pressure waves that radiate outwards from the applicator. These waves are less focused and typically used for more superficial conditions or broader areas. Some argue that radial waves are technically "pressure waves" rather than true "shockwaves" due to their physical properties, but they still achieve therapeutic effects.

Common Conditions Treated with ART:

ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY

HAMSTRING TENDINOPATHY

PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY (JUMPER'S KNEE)

CALCIFIC TENDINOPATHY

TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS (HIP PAIN)

MEDIAL/ LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS (GOLFER'S/TENNIS ELBOW)

SHIN SPLINTS

The benefits of ESWT?

  • Non-invasive (no surgery or incisions)

  • Can be an alternative to surgery or corticosteroid injections.

  • Relatively few side effects.

  • Accelerates the body's natural healing process.

  • Can provide long-term pain relief and improved function.

What to expect during an ESWT session:

  • The treatment area is typically identified and a gel is applied to ensure proper transmission of the acoustic waves.

  • The practitioner moves the handheld applicator over the affected area, delivering pulses.

  • You may experience some discomfort or a "deep ache" during the treatment, but it should be tolerable. The intensity can usually be adjusted.

  • A session typically lasts 5-10 minutes.

  • Multiple sessions (often 3-5, spaced a week or more apart) are usually required for optimal results

For more information: Electro Shockwave Therapy Video