Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment used for various musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving connective tissues like tendons and ligaments

Here’s an overview of this innovative treatment:

How It Works

Shockwave therapy uses a specialized device to deliver acoustic energy waves through the skin to injured areas of the body.

These low-energy sound waves work in two main ways:

  1. Desensitizing nerve endings for immediate pain reduction
  2. Causing controlled micro-trauma to stimulate the body’s healing response

The treatment increases blood flow and metabolism in the affected area, promoting tissue regeneration and accelerating the healing process.

Common Applications

Shockwave therapy is often used to treat conditions that haven’t responded well to traditional treatments. It’s particularly effective for:

  • Tendon issues: Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinopathy
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Calcific tendinopathy
  • Bone injuries: Stress fractures, shin splints
  • Rotator cuff problems
  • Hamstring injuries

Treatment Process

A typical shockwave therapy session involves:

  • Application of gel to the skin
  • Use of a handheld device to deliver shockwaves to the injured area
  • Treatment duration of 5-15 minutes
  • Multiple sessions (usually 3 or more) over several weeks

Benefits

Shockwave therapy offers several advantages:

  • Non-invasive and outpatient-based
  • Minimal side effects
  • Potential alternative to surgery for some conditions
  • Can be combined with other treatments like exercises.
  • Government approved for certain conditions like plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow

While research is ongoing, many patients and practitioners have found shockwave therapy to be an effective treatment option for stubborn musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when other conservative approaches have failed.