Shockwave Therapy involves the use of short, intense waves of energy that travel faster than the speed of sound. This non-invasive treatment utilizes high-energy sound waves (shockwaves) to apply mechanical force to various tissues in the body, promoting healing and pain relief.
Applications of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is commonly used in physiotherapy to treat chronic tendon and muscle disorders, alleviate neck and back pain, and address trigger points. Compared to older, manual treatments or special tools, shockwave therapy is more efficient, faster, and tends to provide more lasting results. Common conditions treated with this method include:
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- Heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
- Patellar tendonitis
- Treatment of trigger points
- Frozen shoulder
- Early-stage shoulder joint inflammation
- Heel spur pain
- Osteoarthritis-related changes
- Achilles tendon inflammation
- Pain in the heel or foot
Shockwave therapy has also proven to be highly effective in sports medicine for soft tissue repair and recovery. It can significantly reduce recovery time after injuries, aiding in conditions like:
- Muscle swelling
- Joint deformities
- Groin pain
- Hip joint pain
- Chronic back pain
How is Shockwave Therapy Performed?
Shockwave therapy is an outpatient procedure. After applying a gel to the treatment area to conduct the waves, a probe from the device is placed on the skin. Depending on the condition, either high or low energy waves may be used. High-energy waves can cause discomfort, so local or regional anesthesia may be necessary, while low-energy waves typically do not require anesthesia. For optimal results, active patient participation is encouraged, especially when providing feedback on the probe’s position.
Typically, 1-2 treatment sessions are needed. After treatment, patients are usually advised to reduce physical activity for 1-2 weeks. Shockwave therapy is particularly beneficial for treating tendon issues or chronic degenerative conditions, like Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
Contraindications for Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is generally not recommended for individuals with bone tumors, specific bone metabolic disorders, or certain neurological or circulatory conditions. It is also advised against for pregnant women and areas with growing bone. Infections may also limit the use of this treatment, although some studies have suggested potential benefits for infection management. Shockwave therapy should not be used in areas where there is gas or air in the body. Always consult with a physician before starting this treatment.
Speed of Effectiveness
Most patients feel some degree of relief almost immediately after the treatment, but this effect is usually temporary and linked to the local anesthesia used during the session. Actual healing from the injury typically takes several days, with many patients noticing significant improvement by the end of the second week. Full healing can take several weeks or even months, though pain relief often occurs before the healing process is complete.
Safety of Shockwave Therapy
The technology behind shockwave therapy has been used for decades with millions of patients worldwide. It has widespread application in Europe, especially in German-speaking countries where it was pioneered. There are no significant side effects associated with shockwave therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, adverse effects are generally minimal, with occasional sensations like tingling.