What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment modality that has been extensively researched, and clinically shown to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. Shockwave therapy generates strong energy waves for short periods of time. The energy wave is conducted from the applicator to the desired tissue via the use of an acoustic wave generator (coupling gel). These energy pulses create bubbles (micro-cavitation) that expand and burst.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Do?

The force generated by these cavitations penetrates tissue and stimulates cells responsible for blood vessel formation, bone and connective tissue healing. Shockwave therapy is the most effective in recalcitrant (unresponsive to treatment) pathological alterations of tendons, ligaments, capsules, muscles and bones.

Shockwave therapy has been clinically shown to stimulate new blood vessel synthesis (neovascularization) by increasing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VGEF). New blood vessel synthesis enhances blood circulation to regenerate damaged tissue. Neovascularization as a result of shockwave therapy has also been clinically shown to stimulate the metabolism.

Studies have also demonstrated an increased production of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and bone morphogenic protein (BMP). eNOS causes the blood vessels to relax, which allows nutrients to diffuse into the surrounding tissue. BMP’s are important in bone and cartilage development.

What Are The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

There are numerous benefits from shockwave therapy, such as: non-surgical intervention, accelerated healing, elimination of pain, restoration of mobility and improved quality of life. Patients typically experience the benefits of shockwave therapy after only 1 or 2 treatments.

Literature has shown that shockwave therapy when combined with exercise has an 85% success rate for plantar fasciitis, 76% success rate for Achilles tendinopathy and a 75% success rate for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee).

What Injuries Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
• Hallux Rigidus
• Hamstring Strains
• Knee Pain
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Non-Healing Ulcers
• Non-Unions
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Scar Tissue Treatment
• Stress Fractures
• Tennis Elbow
• Trigger Point Therapy

Adapted from Shockwave Canada