Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is an effective electrotherapy treatment method for musculoskeletal complaints. There are several types of shockwave therapy, which can be generated using different physical energies. In our clinic, we use radial shockwaves, which are created by pneumatic energy and converted into so-called kinetic energy. This energy propagates in the form of waves and penetrates the body to exert its therapeutic effect. The waves stimulate circulation, which initiates healing processes and reduces pain.

The waves accelerate metabolism in the treated area, improve blood supply, relax muscles, and restore the elasticity of tendons and joints.

What is shockwave therapy good for?

Shockwave therapy is primarily recommended for the following musculoskeletal problems:

• Treatment of heel and sole pain (plantar fasciitis, Haglund’s deformity, Achilles tendon inflammation)
• Treatment of pain around the elbow (treatment of tennis and golfer’s elbow)
• Treatment of pain around the knee joint (jumper’s knee, patellar tendon inflammation)
• Shoulder complaints (treatment of degenerative processes with calcification in the rotator cuff muscles)

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is effective for treating long-standing, intense pain. Even one treatment per week is sufficient to achieve a positive effect. It can be used as an excellent supplement to other conservative therapies (physiotherapy).

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Shockwave therapy exerts its positive effects in several ways. One such method of pain reduction is by acting on the pain-conducting nerves. This effect is explained by the Malzack-Wall gate control theory. The treatment generates a painful impulse which, upon entering the spinal cord, blocks the pain pathway through which pain from the injury travels, thereby preventing the pain from reaching our brain and becoming conscious. During shockwave therapy, the therapist maintains continuous contact with the patient to ideally adjust the treatment parameters, thus reducing any unpleasant sensation from the treatment. Repeated treatments continuously reinforce each other’s effects, stimulating healing processes for weeks.

When is shockwave therapy not recommended?

Shockwave therapy is not recommended for patients with the following problems, diseases, or conditions:

• Pregnancy
• Neuropathy
• Application of steroid injection in the painful area within 1 month
• Intellectual disability
• Taking blood-thinning medications
• Treatment of pain in air-filled organs (e.g., lungs)
• Malignant disease, previous malignant disease
• Age under 14, or presence of active growth zones