Basic principles of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure for the treatment of acute and chronic pain of the musculoskeletal system. Sound shockwaves are characterized by a pressure peak within an extremely short time followed by an exponential pressure drop and a short interval of negative pressure. The shockwaves used in ESWT treatment are focused, concentrated and generate a maximum density of energy at their focal point which is also the source of pain. They induce a surge of regional blood flow and metabolism. The basic physiological effects of extracorporeal shockwaves on living cells are based on transforming the mechanical stimulation they generate into biochemical or biomolecular signals.
Conditions Indicated for ESWT:
- Golf elbow
- Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Treatment of myofascial pain – trigger points
- Pseudarthrosis
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Patellar ligament syndrome
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
* Recent medical research in ESWT treatment has been exploring new indications in trauma management, dermatology, prostatitis.
Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome – (Trigger Points)
Trigger points (mTrP) are distinct, focused, oversensitive points often located in skeletal muscles but they can also be found in other soft tissues. They may trigger pain in the muscle they are located in or in the adjacent area or even in regions far removed from the muscle (reflex pain).
The piezoelectric shockwaves technology can identify trigger points with a high degree of accuracy, easily and fast, even when located in deeper bone structures that cannot be palpated. Trigger points can be treated very effectively with impressive results already from the first therapy session.
