Shockwave treatment has become a familiar term in the realm of modern healthcare, often touted for its effectiveness in managing various musculoskeletal conditions. However, amidst the acclaim, it is essential to delve into the fundamental question: What exactly are shockwaves, and how do they work?
Understanding the intricacies of this therapeutic approach requires a closer examination of the underlying principles. In the context of medical treatment, shockwaves are harnessed for their capacity to induce profound physiological responses in the human body.
This exploration aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding shockwaves, providing insight into their nature, mechanisms and how they contribute to the impressive therapeutic outcomes observed in shockwave treatment. As we embark on this journey, we will uncover the science behind shockwaves and their application in revolutionizing pain management and tissue healing.
…SO WHAT EXACTLY ARE SHOCKWAVES
the noise caused by thunder or the explosion resulting from a blast are examples in which shockwaves play a crucial role. Thanks to shockwaves, energy can be transmitted over long distances. Shockwaves, from a physical perspective, are defined as high-energy acoustic waves. They are pressure pulses with an extremely rapid rise time (about 10 billionths of a second), very short rise and fall times of the spike
(between 2 and 5 millionths of a second), and overall cycle duration times of the wave less than 10 thousandths of a second.
These pulses generate a direct mechanical force that can be directed to the parts of the body to be treated.
When a shockwave passes through a fluid, it generates multiple pressure differences responsible for the formation of gas bubbles and the phenomenon of "cavitation". In fact, the reduced pressure produced on the inside of the shockwave allows a rapid transition of
water to the gaseous phase, forming a real bubble of variable size depending on the released energy.
A subsequent shockwave hits the bubble thus formed, leading to a violent implosion that forms a jet of water, the so-called "jet stream", which is significantly accelerated by the low-pressure field existing inside the bubble (speed of 2700-3000 km/h). This directional jet of
water, hitting nearby tissues, causes micro-injuries whose extent depends on the number of pulses and their energy (Delius et al.-1998).
Shockwave treatment exerts its therapeutic effects through various mechanisms, including:
Mechanical Stress:
The acoustic waves generated during shockwave treatment induce mechanical stress on tissues. This stress triggers cellular responses, stimulating the release of growth factors and promoting tissue regeneration.
Neovascularisation:
Shockwaves contribute to the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularisation) in the treated area. Improved blood supply enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery, fostering tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
Pain Modulation:
Shockwaves influence the transmission of pain signals by modulating nerve activity. This helps in reducing pain perception and improving overall pain management.
Now that you know a little more about Shockwaves, the following is a list of disorders suitable for treatment:
• Shoulder Pain (Calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder, subacrominal pain syndrome, frozen shoulder)
• Elbow Pain (Tennis/ Golfer’s Elbow)
• Hand Pain (Dupuytrens disease, De Quervain disease, trigger finger and Carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Hip Pain (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, Hip Bursitis)
• Hamstring Pain (Hamstring tendinopathy, insertional)
• Knee Pain (Osteoarthritis, patella pain syndrome, Jumpers
knee)
• Achilles Pain (Achilles tendinopathy, insertional and mid body)
• Heel Pain (Plantarfasciopathy, Heel Spurs)
If you want to know more about this non-invasive gold standard
treatment, we suggest your visit our website where you will find
many other information and latest Response Rates to treatment.
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