Shockwave therapy is a technique in the treatment of musculoskeletal apparatus and a number of other diseases. It is used by doctors as a safer analog of surgical intervention. Ongoing research and practical application shows good effectiveness with minimal risks, without hospitalization, prolonged rehabilitation.
Now we will dwell in more detail on what this technology is, what indications, contraindications it has, what should be the duration of treatment. We will also answer the question of whether shockwave therapy can harm patients.
Features of shock wave therapy: main nuances
The basis of shockwave therapy is the influence on tissues and organs of the human body by sound or, as they say, acoustic waves. It is used in the treatment of all kinds of dermatologic, orthopedic, rheumatologic, gynecologic diseases, pathologies of the urinary system, cardiology. SWT-procedure is carried out using special hardware that generates sound waves of the required duration and frequency. In radial shockwave therapy, the force of the wave spreads evenly over the entire area, exerting a superficial pressure effect.
What does shockwave therapy do? During the procedure, acoustic waves penetrate deep into the tissues, providing a pinpoint anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In the zone of its action intensifies blood circulation, metabolic reactions are activated, which contributes to the restoration and healing of damaged tissues.
SWT: Who’s eligible
Like any other medical technology, shockwave therapy is endowed with a number of indications. Positive results are observed in the treatment of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Today it is actively used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and traumatology for patients who have been diagnosed:
- non-infectious arthritis, arthrosis, synovitis of various origins: (shock wave therapy for osteoarthritis is indicated only at the very first stages of the disease);
- plantar fasciitis (better known as “heel spurs”);
- intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis of the spine);
- Achillodynia, bunions, flat feet;
- epicondylitis (tennis elbow syndrome);
- traumatic conditions of the coccyx accompanied by painful sensations;
- traumatic soft tissue conditions, including incomplete tears of ligaments, tendons, muscles;
- brachial-femoral periarthritis, calcifying tendonitis;
- muscle spasms associated with high-intensity sports training;
- contractures after injuries or surgical interventions.
The procedure is also indicated as a rehabilitation phase after surgical interventions, particularly for the development of repaired or replaced joints. It stimulates the growth of the bone callus in cases where fractures are too sluggish to heal.
Effectiveness of shockwave therapy
The result is noticeable immediately after the procedure and has a long-lasting effect. It is already observed in the first time:
- pain relief;
- increasing blood microcirculation;
- activation of metabolic reactions;
- reduction of manifestations of increased muscle tone;
- increase in the volume of movement.
Perspective SWT gives tissue regeneration, improves joint mobility, elasticity of ligaments, destroys calcium microcrystals, removes them. In the therapy zone there is an accelerated growth of microcapillaries, which improves the blood supply of tissues.
High efficiency narrow-profile doctors also noted in the treatment of shockwave therapy for various pathologies, including heel spurs, arthritis, arthritis in the first stages of development and in remission. The combination of such therapy with medication, physical therapy, massage, proper balance of rest and work, increases the probability of absolute cure to 90%.
SWT: main contraindications
Before shockwave therapy is administered, a detailed clinical evaluation will be performed. Additional examinations may be performed, which will minimize possible risks and exclude pathological conditions in which it is not recommended to perform this procedure.
Contraindications to shockwave therapy:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- acute infectious pathologies;
- diagnosed oncologic diseases in the area of exposure;
- work on large vessels;
- pacemaker;
- deformational changes of the musculoskeletal apparatus that do not make it technically possible to perform the procedure.
SWT: required number of sessions
How many sessions are required and how often SWT can be performed is determined by the doctor based on the clinical picture of the patient. Average figures for the treatment of certain diseases are from 3 to 10 sessions.
SWT is characterized by good tolerance, provides a sufficiently long-lasting effect. It can be carried out both inpatient and outpatient in a clinic, rehabilitation center.
Shockwave therapy: a possible complication
Can shockwave therapy be harmful? No, if it will be carried out by an experienced doctor after a detailed acquaintance with the clinical picture, available indications and contraindications to its implementation. Minimize the negative effect, to ensure the highest possible effectiveness of SWT allows a professional approach. Contact the medical center “Prizma” in Kiev to get competent assistance of experienced rehabilitation doctors with a minimum likelihood of complications. You can find out the details of the procedure, make an appointment by phone or through online communication services.
