Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in various parts of the body. It is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and injuries. The high-energy shock waves interact with the tissues, promoting regeneration and repair by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production.

Who is Suitable for Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is suitable for individuals experiencing chronic pain or injuries that have not responded well to other treatments. Common conditions treated with shockwave therapy include:

Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Tennis elbow
Calcific shoulder tendinitis
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Hip bursitis
Myofascial pain syndrome

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy offers several benefits, including:

Non-Invasive: It does not require surgery or injections.
Pain Relief: It can significantly reduce pain associated with chronic conditions.
Enhanced Healing: Promotes faster healing of injured tissues.
Improved Mobility: Helps restore normal function and mobility in affected areas.
Minimal Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated with few side effects.
Convenience: Typically requires a few sessions, each lasting 15-20 minutes.

Types of Shockwave Therapy

There are two primary types of shockwave therapy:

Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT): This type uses low- to medium-energy shockwaves that spread over a larger area. It is often used for superficial conditions and is effective for treating larger areas of the body.
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT): This type uses high-energy shockwaves focused on a specific point. It penetrates deeper into the tissues and is suitable for treating more localised and deeper conditions.

Alternative Options to Shockwave Therapy

While shockwave therapy can be highly effective, some individuals may prefer or require alternative treatments. These alternatives include:

Physical Therapy: Customised exercises and manual therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and function.
Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections can help manage pain and inflammation.
Ultrasound Therapy: Uses sound waves to promote tissue healing and reduce pain.
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing of injured tissues.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged tissues.

What to Do Before Shockwave Therapy?

Before undergoing shockwave therapy, it’s important to follow certain steps to ensure the procedure's effectiveness and safety:

Consultation: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine if shockwave therapy suits your condition. Discuss your medical history, current medications, and any existing health issues.
Medications: Inform your doctor about all your medications and supplements. You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, a few days before the procedure, as they can interfere with the body’s natural healing processes.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated in the days before the therapy. Proper hydration can help improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing to your appointment. This will make it easier to access the treatment area and ensure your comfort during the procedure.

What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?

During the shockwave therapy session, the following steps are typically followed:

Preparation: You will be positioned comfortably on a treatment table. The area to be treated will be exposed and cleaned.
Gel Application: A conductive gel is applied to the treatment area. This gel helps to transmit the shockwaves effectively into the tissue.
Device Positioning: The doctor will place the shockwave therapy device against your skin over the treatment area.
Shockwave Delivery: The device emits high-energy shockwaves into the affected tissues. The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves can be adjusted based on your specific condition and tolerance. You may feel a tapping or pulsating sensation as the shockwaves are delivered.
Duration: Each session typically lasts between 15 to 20 minutes. The number of sessions required depends on the severity and nature of your condition, usually ranging from 3 to 6 sessions spaced one week apart.

What to Expect After Shockwave Therapy?

After the shockwave therapy session, you can expect the following:

Immediate Sensations: You may experience some discomfort or mild pain in the treated area immediately after the session. This is usually temporary and should subside within a few hours to a few days.
Redness and Swelling: The treated area might experience some redness and swelling. This is a normal response and indicates that the body’s natural healing processes are being activated.
Activity Level: You should avoid strenuous activities or exercises that put stress on the treated area for at least 48 hours after the session. Light activities and gentle stretching are generally allowed and encouraged.
Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications, as they may interfere with the healing process.

Shockwave Therapy Recovery Plan

A structured recovery plan is essential to maximise the benefits of shockwave therapy and ensure a smooth healing process:

Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
Physical Therapy: Incorporate physical therapy exercises as recommended by your doctor. These exercises will help improve strength, flexibility, and function in the treated area.
Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support tissue repair and overall recovery.
Rest and Recovery: Ensure you get adequate rest and avoid overexerting the treated area. Gradually reintroduce activities as advised by your doctor.
Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of changes in your symptoms and report any unusual or persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort to your doctor.
Gradual Return to Activities: Gradually resume your normal activities, sports, or exercises as your condition improves. Follow your doctor’s guidelines to avoid re-injury.

Shockwave Therapy Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals undergoing shockwave therapy is generally positive, especially for those with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after a few sessions. The success rate varies depending on the condition being treated:

Plantar Fasciitis: Around 70-80% of patients report substantial improvement.
Tennis Elbow: Approximately 70% of patients experience relief.
Achilles Tendinopathy: Success rates can be as high as 65-75%.
Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis: Around 70% of patients show marked improvement.

Overall, many patients achieve long-term relief, though individual results can vary based on factors such as the severity of the condition, adherence to post-treatment guidelines, and personal health status.

Shockwave Therapy Risks

Pain and Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain during and after the treatment is common.
Swelling and Redness: The treated area may become swollen and red post-treatment.
Bruising: Some patients may experience bruising in the treated area.
Numbness or Tingling: Temporary numbness or tingling can occur.
Skin Irritation: The conductive gel used during the procedure may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Tendon or Nerve Damage: Although rare, tendons or nerves may be damaged if the treatment is not properly administered.

What if Shockwave Therapy is Delayed?

Delaying shockwave therapy can have different implications depending on the specific condition and its severity:

Chronic Pain: The patient may continue to experience chronic pain and discomfort, which could lead to decreased quality of life and daily function.
Prolonged Healing: Delaying treatment can result in a slower healing process and prolonged recovery.
Condition Progression: Some conditions may worsen over time if not treated promptly, potentially leading to more severe symptoms and complications.
Alternative Treatments: Patients may need to rely on other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or even surgical interventions, which may not be as effective or have risks and side effects.

Dolorclast Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Dolorclast Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a specialised shockwave therapy developed by EMS (Electro Medical Systems). It is widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. Dolorclast ESWT is known for its effectiveness and precision in delivering shockwaves to targeted areas, promoting healing and pain relief.

Key Features of Dolorclast ESWT

Precision: The Dolorclast device allows for precise targeting of the affected area, ensuring that the shockwaves are delivered exactly where needed.
Adjustable Settings: The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves can be adjusted to suit the patient's specific condition and tolerance.
Non-Invasive: Like other forms of shockwave therapy, Dolorclast ESWT is a non-invasive procedure, meaning no surgery or injections are required.
Efficiency: Treatment sessions are typically short, lasting 15-20 minutes, and most patients require 3-6 sessions for optimal results.
Versatility: Dolorclast ESWT can treat many conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, calcific shoulder tendinitis, and more.

How Dolorclast ESWT Works

Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably and exposed to the area to be treated.
Gel Application: A conductive gel is applied to the skin to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves.
Shockwave Delivery: The Dolorclast device is placed against the skin, and shockwaves are delivered to the affected area. The settings are adjusted based on the patient's needs and feedback.
Treatment Duration: Each session lasts 15-20 minutes, with the total number of sessions varying depending on the condition and severity.