Shock waves can be used to support the body’s natural healing processes and boost collagen formation and cell metabolism, relieving pain without medication or surgery. They accelerate collagen synthesis and improve cell metabolism for a holistic healing approach that reduces pain without surgery or medication.
This study investigated the efficacy of low and high energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for treating chronic LE. Results demonstrated that energy flux density plays an essential role in shaping clinical outcomes.
Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that causes heel pain when walking and standing, leading to decreased mobility and quality of life issues. Shock wave therapy has proven itself as an effective solution, targeting damaged tissues to speed healing processes while shortening pain in both short- and long-term sufferers of plantar fasciitis. Studies have also confirmed its effectiveness against pain for plantar fasciitis patients.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. This condition typically results in heel pain that’s particularly acute upon first stepping on to a hard floor each morning or when engaging in other activities; walking and standing for extended periods can become increasingly painful as a result. Conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis include rest, physical therapy and medication; however these may not provide relief from this painful condition.
Shockwave therapy is an innovative noninvasive solution to plantar fasciitis pain relief that employs shock waves directed toward the affected area. Shock waves may create a mechanical effect by inducing bubbles to implode, stimulating tissue healing and increasing blood flow to the area being treated. Shockwave therapy has also been proven to break down scar tissue while stimulating angiogenesis within these locations.
There are various ESWT devices that are used in treating chronic plantar fasciitis. While some devices focus on specific areas with different intensities levels, others treat larger surface areas. It may be that one type of device proves more successful than another but further research should be conducted in this regard.
Lou et al’s meta-analysis of three RCTs demonstrated moderate to high evidence for ESWT’s effectiveness in alleviating pain and increasing foot function among those suffering from recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, with improvements lasting at least 12 weeks after treatment began.
Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in your body, connecting your heel bone to calf muscles in the lower leg. Protected by a sheath and featuring paratenon (vascularized layer of tissue), overuse or injury may cause discomfort in this area.
Research suggests that high energy ESWT may help treat Achilles tendonitis effectively. Studies have demonstrated how shock waves reduce pain and improve movement for those suffering with chronic Achilles tendonitis – potentially helping you return to regular activity more quickly.
Studies revealed ESWT as being more effective than other treatments for Achilles tendonitis. It helped decrease pain, improve movement and build strength in people living with chronic Achilles tendonitis for up to 24 weeks; researchers cautioned that each study had some limitations, with different shock wave devices, patient populations and treatment protocols used.
Studies have proven ESWT an effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. Two randomized controlled trials comparing ESWT to sham therapy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy patients found that ESWT significantly alleviated symptoms.
An ESWT session involves you sitting comfortably on a table while being guided by a scanner as the shock wave emitter precisely targets the area of injury. Each treatment session typically lasts around 30 minutes; you will feel tapping sensations between pulses of shock waves.
Shock wave therapy is a noninvasive solution that stimulates healing in an Achilles injury by overstimulating pain transmission nerves and stimulating new blood vessel formation in an area. Studies have also indicated its ability to promote angiogenesis and stimulate bone formation in animals.
ESWT can also be used for bone healing conditions such as stress fractures, avascular necrosis (dead area of bone), and delayed or non-healing bone injuries like Peyronie’s disease. However, ESWT should not be administered on open wounds, patients suffering from heart issues or blood disorders, pregnant women or people who are nursing.
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common injury caused by repetitive actions that overstrain forearm muscles and tendons, often through repetitive actions that include gripping or twisting movements such as lifting heavy objects or shaking hands. Overtime, these strains can result in microscopic tears to the extensor tendon attachment on the lateral epicondyle of the elbow as well as degeneration to extensor tendon attachment on lateral epicondyle, also known as lateral epicondylitis; leading to chronic pain on this side as well as chronic tenderness down arms and hands – symptoms made worse when performing activities involving gripping and twisting motions such as lifting heavy objects or shaking hands.
Diagnoses of tennis elbow are determined through physical examination and medical history review. Your healthcare provider will ask when symptoms began and what makes them worse or better; additionally, an in-person exam of both injured area as well as surrounding body parts like shoulders and hips is conducted; imaging tests may also be ordered by them to establish what causes symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Physical therapy is another common approach to tennis elbow treatment. Your therapist will teach exercises designed to strengthen affected muscles while increasing flexibility; additionally you’ll learn techniques designed to ease your discomfort and speed healing – such as eccentric exercise treatment.
Studies on ESWT for musculoskeletal conditions have demonstrated its ability to significantly decrease pain and improve function in affected areas. One such study demonstrated how ESWT helped patients suffering from both calcific and non-calcific tendinitis improve both pain and function with ESWT treatments, as well as accelerate bone healing in osteoporosis patients.
ESWT is generally safe treatment option. However, you should avoid this procedure if the affected area lacks sensation or has open sores on its skin; pregnant or cardiac conditions should also refrain from receiving this therapy.
A physiotherapist can evaluate your condition and suggest the most suitable treatments, including cold laser, ultrasound and massage therapies to alleviate your pain. They may also recommend stretching and exercise routines that can speed your return to regular life activities faster.
Treatment of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder joint is essential in performing various movements, from reaching above the head and swimming to throwing a ball. Unfortunately, overuse or sports injuries can damage this multi-functional joint and cause discomfort and dysfunction; luckily there are numerous treatment options for shoulder pain including shockwave therapy which has proven itself as an effective means of relieving such suffering by reducing inflammation, breaking down scar tissue and stimulating new cell growth.
Shock waves exert mechanical forces that stimulate healing by increasing blood flow, improving metabolism and stimulating the release of cytokines that promote new tissue formation. Furthermore, their mechanical force may activate endogenous pain control systems to alleviate pain sensation; and ESWT can induce microtrauma that promotes blood clotting and cell migration that facilitate bone and tissue repair.
Ramon et al (2020) conducted a recent randomized clinical trial involving 103 participants who suffered from chronic glenohumeral joint positional syndrome (GTPS). Three weekly sessions of high energy focused shockwave therapy or hyaluronic acid injections were offered as treatment, after which pain intensity and shoulder function evaluations were completed by clinicians blind to treatment groups; results demonstrated that shockwave therapy led to greater reductions in pain intensity as well as improvements in shoulder function than injections alone.
Shockwave therapy is an effective solution for treating rotator cuff tendonitis and tendinopathy by decreasing inflammation, breaking down calcium deposits that contribute to pain and stiffness, and encouraging new tissue formation. Furthermore, shockwave therapy may help restore movement while alleviating stiffness or pain from frozen shoulder.
A meta-analysis of high energy ESWT trials demonstrated that when combined together, shockwave therapy and physical therapy are more effective than either alone. This may be attributed to physical therapy helping strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and mobility while shockwave therapy increases blood circulation for healing damaged tissues.
