What is Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) or Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT). It is becoming the preferred treatment to fix soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and hip bursitis.
Shockwave (ESWT) was originally developed in the 1970s as a method for treating kidney stones. Known as lithotripsy, the method uses high energy acoustic shockwaves to break up the calcified stones, thus avoiding the need for painful and invasive surgery.
Over time, researchers tested shockwave therapy for other conditions and found that shockwaves can effectively stimulate the regeneration and repair of damaged as well as torn muscles and tendons.
Some Of The Conditions We
Treat With ESWT:
ESWT is now effectively being used in place of injections, physical therapy and certain surgeries for the following conditions:
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff, Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder Bursitis)
- Foot Pain (Plantar Fascitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Achilles Tendonitis)
- Elbow Pain (Tennis or Golfer's Elbow)
- Hip Pain (Bursitis, Hamsting or IT Band)
- Knee Pain (Patellar Tendinitis, Jumper's Knee, Knee Bursitis)
- Trigger Points
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy works by emitting high energy acoustic pressure waves. These pulses of energy are delivered to the injured area using an applicator connected to the shockwave therapy device. These shockwaves activate the circulation of new blood, break down calcifications and scar tissue, trigger the release of growth hormones, and promote the growth of new cells in the injured area. The result is effective pain relief in addition to better, faster and more complete healing.
How Effective Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is FDA approved for a variety of conditions and there are hundreds of clinical studies proving efficacy. ESWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infection or scar tissue, like there is with surgery.
Who Is / Is Not A Candidate For Shockwave?
Most people are good candidates for Shockwave treatment.
We treat people who either have been unsuccessful with or do not want to do injections, physical therapy, or have surgery for the following conditions:
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff, Frozen Shoulder, Shoulder Bursitis)
- Foot Pain (Plantar Fascitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Achilles Tendonitis)
- Elbow Pain (Tennis or Golfer's Elbow)
- Hip Pain (Bursitis, Hamsting or IT Band)
- Knee Pain (Patellar Tendinitis, Jumper's Knee, Knee Bursitis)
- Trigger Points
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Pacemakers: Shockwave may not be appropriate depending on the make and model of certain pacemakers. Please let us know if you have a pacemaker, so we can confirm whether or not yours is compatible with shockwave treatments.
Cancer: If you currently have cancer, you may not be eligible for treatment with Shockwave. Please let us know if you currently have cancer.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Some conditions only need 1 or 2 treatments. Other conditions need 3 to 6 treatments for optimal healing. The number of treatments needed can vary depending on factors including your age and the seriousness of your condition. The number of treatments needed is best determined after the doctor examines the problem area.
How Soon Until I Start Feeling Better?
Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain after their first treatment. Others will feel results gradually after each treatment.
Does The Treatment Hurt?
If the area being treated is very painful before the treatment, then the treatment itself is often described as tender or sore. Most people have no issues with the treatment.
How Long Is The Treatment?
Each treatment takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the condition being treated.
Do I Also Need To Do Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is typically not necessary. ESWT tends to be a faster and more effective treatment then physical therapy, shots, and certain surgeries.
What Are The Possible Side Effects?
There have been very few side effects reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur. Patients may also feel soreness in the area for a day or two after treatment. This is typically described as just a slight discomfort.
Can I Exercise While Undergoing Shockwave Therapy?
Most patients may resume their normal routine immediately after an ESWT treatment.