Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It’s commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, and even some urological or dermatological disorders.
How It Works:
Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy sound waves to the affected area using a handheld device. These sound waves interact with the tissue, and the therapeutic effects are believed to occur through several mechanisms:
- Increased Blood Flow
Shockwaves promote neovascularization—the formation of new blood vessels—which improves blood supply and oxygenation to the area, accelerating healing.
- Stimulation of Cell Regeneration
The waves stimulate fibroblasts (which make collagen) and osteoblasts (which form bone). This enhances the repair of tendons, ligaments, and bones.
- Breakdown of Calcifications
In conditions like calcific tendinitis, shockwaves help break down calcium deposits in soft tissues, which can then be reabsorbed by the body.
- Reduction of Pain
Shockwave therapy may:
- Interrupt pain signals by affecting nerve endings
- Trigger release of endorphins
- Desensitize nerve receptors
- Inflammatory Modulation
The therapy can temporarily increase inflammation, which paradoxically stimulates a healing response by bringing in immune cells to repair damaged tissue.
Common Conditions Treated:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (“jumper’s knee”)
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Myofascial trigger points
- Non-healing bone fractures (nonunion)
