Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for pain management
What is the basic understanding of shockwave?
Shockwaves as defined from the name are high energy beams in the form of distinct sound waves. These high energy waves are utilized for years since 1980’s in lithotripsy and other procedures. With new advancements, these waves are applied as low intensity sound waves for pain management. The waves when administered to a certain body part, increase the metabolic activity and enhance healing process. This is called Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or LI-ESWT.
With years of research, it is confirmed that this therapy offers an accurate therapeutic approach by targeting the root cause of the problem, and developing a healing mechanism – such focusing on the abnormal tendons, ligaments, capsules, muscles, bones and their related pathological conditions.
At MedAmor, this therapy is always performed by a well-qualified healthcare professional. More of that, the extracorporeal shockwave therapy exhibits minimal side effects and risks.
Different treatable conditions with shockwave therapy
Frozen Shoulder
Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow (Lateral or Medial Epicondylitis)
Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Shin pain/ Tibial Stress Syndrome
Achilles tendon pain (Achillodynia)
Plantar Fasciitis
Metatarsalgia
Heel spurs/pain
Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Calcific Tendinitis
Peri-articular shoulder pain
Trigger points
Back pain
Facial pain
What is the procedure?
The therapeutic procedure is simple with defined steps:
- At first, the therapist takes history and arranges an in-depth consultation with the patient.
- Then, the doctor may perform the examination and localize the pain by palpation.
- After exact diagnosis, the technician may perform the shockwave procedure.
- He applies a topical gel over the area that allows well conduction of energy waves released by the shockwave apparatus.
- The shockwaves are usually administered in a circular motion.
What’s the timeline and number of sessions for shockwave therapy?
The number of sessions may range from 3-6 treatment sessions once or twice a week with each session taking at least 10-30 minutes.
What’s the success rate of shockwave therapy for orthopedic indications?
It has high success rate with each patient claiming a great rapid relief from the ongoing pain and reporting pain reduction even after the first session, associated with increased joint and muscle mobility; thus, enhancing the quality of life.
