Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment we offer to accelerate your body’s natural healing process. It’s particularly effective for treating injured joints and tissues while significantly reducing pain and discomfort.
How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. These waves are high-energy sound waves that pass through the skin and into the affected area. Here’s how they promote healing:
- Increased Blood Flow: Shockwaves stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the treated area, improving blood circulation and metabolism. This enhanced blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues, speeding up the healing process.
- Release of Growth Factors: The therapy triggers the release of growth factors in the affected area. These are proteins that play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
- Pain Reduction: Shockwaves can help reduce pain by affecting the nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. They may also stimulate the production of pain-inhibiting substances.
- Breaking Down Calcifications: In conditions like tendinitis, shockwaves can help break down calcium deposits, allowing for better mobility and reduced pain.
- Stimulation of Collagen Production: The treatment can stimulate the production of collagen, an essential protein for the repair and strengthening of tendons and other connective tissues.
Shockwave therapy utilizes two primary methods to deliver these healing effects:
- Focused Shockwaves: This method uses a concentrated impulse to target specific affected areas.
- Radial Pressure Waves: A newer technique that delivers more dispersed waves upon contact with the skin.
Both methods are outpatient procedures and may require multiple sessions for optimal results, depending on your specific condition.
The Treatment Process
- You’ll lie down comfortably with the affected area exposed.
- Our specialist applies a special gel to enhance wave transmission.
- The ESWT machine is activated, and a “shockwave gun” is pressed against the treatment area.
- Rapid impulses are delivered, typically lasting 5-15 minutes.
The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing little to no discomfort. No anesthesia is required as we use low-energy shockwaves.
After Your Treatment
We recommend limiting physical activity for at least two weeks following your treatment to maximize its effectiveness and support your body’s healing process. During this time, the shockwave-stimulated healing mechanisms continue to work, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Accelerates the body’s normal healing process
- Speeds up recovery of injured joints and tissue
- Diminishes pain and discomfort
- Improves blood circulation in the treated area
- Stimulates collagen production
- Non-invasive treatment
- No need for anesthesia
- Quick treatment sessions (5-15 minutes)
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic tendon inflammations
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
Contact us today to learn more about how shockwave therapy can help you on your path to recovery and pain-free living.