What is Electromagnetic Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), and how does it work?
In recent years, only a few non-surgical treatment procedures have been in the limelight as much as shockwave therapy. Even now, it continues to be validated by reputable authorities and evolve to serve not just its field of genesis (urology) but orthopedics and other aspects of medical practice. This article discusses the procedure, how it works, and its benefits, among other subjects. Read on to find out!
What is Electromagnetic Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
ESWT is a procedure that delivers pressure pulses in shockwaves to tissues for therapeutic benefits. Physiotherapy, orthopedics, and sports medicine, are all fields that employ shockwave therapy as a form of non-invasive treatment for various disorders. The highlights of shockwave therapy are it's ability to provide pain relief and to promote healing.
What are some of the conditions in which Shockwave therapy is used?
Shockwave therapy works for a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Some of these include the following:
Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis:- These conditions are also known as Golfer's elbow and Tennis elbow, respectively. They are often caused by athletes repeatedly and vigorously performing wrist and arm movements. Non-athletic activities that involve the repeated use of the wrists, forearms, and arms, such as painting and plumbing, knitting or cooking could also set them off.
Plantar fasciitis: The irritation of the thick band of connective tissue that spans from the heel bone to the toes. This condition often stems from overuse of the feet, ill-fitting shoes, and predisposing peculiarities in foot anatomy, amongst other causes.
Calcific Tendinopathy: An umbrella term for pathological changes in tendons accompanied by calcification. It is usually found in the shoulder. It is a condition in which calcium or urate crystals deposit around tendons, causing pain and dysfunction.
Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive shoulder capsulitis or "stiff shoulder." It is characterized by night pain and a specific shoulder joint stiffness pattern.
Achilles and Patellar Tendinitis: These refer to the inflammation of the Achilles' (calcaneal) tendon and the patellar tendon. The latter is also known as "jumper's knee."
Other examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic pain, myofascial pain syndrome in the neck, pain in the lumbar region, iliotibial tract friction syndrome, and bursitis. It is noteworthy that shockwave therapy actually had its origin in treating kidney stones!
How does Shockwave Therapy Work?
A motorized handpiece that produces shock waves—acoustic pressure pulses—is used in a shockwave therapy procedure. The vibrations penetrate the skin and are directed to the soft tissue injury site - or bone. By sending surges of shock waves into these tissues, shockwave therapy somewhat "irritates" them and "remodifies" them for pain relief, restoration of healthy tissue, and increased mobility.
For Pain Relief.
Shockwave therapy triggers increased blood flow and the formation of new vessels. This consequently leads to a decrease in the concentration of molecules that make the body more sensitive to pain.
Repeated shockwave treatments help decrease the release of substance P from some slow pain pathways (C-fibers), lessening pain in the process.
Shockwave therapy also stimulates the multiplication of mesenchymal stem cells and causes them to differentiate into the appropriate tissue.
In addition to these, nitric oxide is released. Nitric oxide is primarily a vasodilator, but it also proffers pain-relieving effects.
For Tissue Regeneration
Shockwave therapy triggers the release of growth factors like VEGF that trigger the formation of new collagen fibers.
Improved collagen production and cellular growth to 2-3 cm with radial shockwave penetration.
It is noteworthy that studies have suggested that Radial Shockwave Therapy is one of the only therapy forms with good evidence for reducing cellulite!
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy Treatment
It is safe, and natural:
Shockwave therapy is a treatment option that is as "natural" as they come. A shockwave treatment plan does not involve pharmaceuticals or other forms of chemicals. Instead, jolts of energy directed at the necessary sites spur the natural healing reactions of this body into action. This means that you do not have to deal with adverse effects from drug administration or anesthesia. Although some report side effects such as bruising, swellings, and aches, these side effects are mild but short-lived.
It is Cost-Efficient:
Shockwave therapy might seem more expensive than other treatment options initially. However, the lasting effects of treatment and its non-invasive nature among other benefits make the procedure worth every dime (and perhaps even more) in the long run. It is particularly effective in reducing different forms of acute and chronic pain. Shockwave therapy also spares you the hassle and financial burden of sticking to pharmaceutical options daily, or frequently, for a long time. It is, therefore, a very cost-efficient option.
Non-Invasive; Lesser Recovery Time.
In addition to being "non-pharmaceutical," the non-invasive nature of shockwave therapy implies that recovery after treatment administration is less bothersome. Invasive treatment methods like surgeries often leave the body recovering for days or weeks, and it usually takes a while before convalescents resume their usual activities. However, this is not the case with shockwave therapy; you get back on track in a relatively shorter period. This is mainly why some athletes often resort to it as an alternative to surgery when confronted with potential season-halting injuries.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave therapy is a safe procedure when used appropriately. Even if rare side effects surface, they are usually neither severe nor debilitating. They would either be a minor swelling or tenderness that subsides in a few days. However, there are some situations where the use of shockwave therapy could be troublesome for different reasons. Care should be taken to ensure these contraindications are out of the question before opting for this procedure. Some of these contraindications are as follows:
Pacemakers and other implanted devices.
Pregnancy
Tumors
Open wounds.
Neurological or circulatory disorders.
Joint replacements.
Shockwave therapy is cost-efficient and cost-effective. In other words, the results will be worth it if you embark on a treatment regimen. Here at Integrative Physio, we offer optimum shockwave therapy services that will be worth every cent you put in, in the long run. With our experts' wealth of experience and their top-notch work ethic to match, a few sessions (average 4-8) are all it takes for them to deliver the worthwhile expertise and results you desire.
Do you need a session? Book one with us now.
References
Atthakomol, P., Manosroi, W., Phanphaisarn, A. et al. Comparison of single-dose radial extracorporeal shock wave and local corticosteroid injection for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome including mid-term efficacy: a prospective randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 19, 32 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-018-1948-3
Li HX, Zhang ZC, Peng J. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy promotes recovery of sciatic nerve injury and the role of mechanical sensitive YAP/TAZ signaling pathway for nerve regeneration. Chin Med J (Engl). 2021 Oct 14;134(22):2710-2720. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000001431. PMID: 34845995; PMCID: PMC8631414.
Jun JH, Park GY, Chae CS, Suh DC. The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain Intensity and Neck Disability for Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Neck and Shoulder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Feb 1;100(2):120-129. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001493. PMID: 32520797.
Razie M, Leila K, Saied K. Shockwave Therapy Versus Dry Needling for the Management of Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial: SWT Vs. DN for the Treatment of ITBS. Galen Med J. 2021 Jul 6;10:1-8. doi: 10.31661/gmj.v10i0.2174. PMID: 35855103; PMCID: PMC9260514.
Younesi Rostami M, Taghipour-Gorgikolai M, Sharifian R. Treatment of Kidney Stones Using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Double-J Stent in Infants. Adv Urol. 2012;2012:589038. doi: 10.1155/2012/589038. Epub 2012 Apr 9. PMID: 22550483; PMCID: PMC3329132.