Extracorporeal Shock wave therapy ( ESWT)
OVERVIEW
Clinical use of Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into practice in 1982 for urologic conditions. The success of this technology for the treatment of urinary stones quickly made it a first-line choice for the non-invasive, effective treatment of other conditions including but not limited to; heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis and ankle pain.
ESWT is an intervention that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, SWT has been shown to have a direct effect on local nerve endings resulting in a decrease in pain.
Clinical use of Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into practice in 1982 for urologic conditions. The success of this technology for the treatment of urinary stones quickly made it a first-line choice for the non-invasive, effective treatment of other conditions including but not limited to; heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis and ankle pain.
ESWT is an intervention that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, SWT has been shown to have a direct effect on local nerve endings resulting in a decrease in pain.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
ESWT, Focal “true” Shock Wave therapy can be an effective treatment (read medical publication) for clinical signs and symptoms associated with conditions that include:
ESWT, Focal “true” Shock Wave therapy can be an effective treatment (read medical publication) for clinical signs and symptoms associated with conditions that include:
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis / Heel pain
- Painful heel spur formations
- Recurrent ankle pain
- Pathological bony cartilaginous tissue formation
- Painful scar tissue formation
- Achilles tendonitis
DIAGNOSIS
The type of ESWT that is best suited for a particular patient is determined after consultation.
It is also important to understand the difference between low energy (Radial pressure wave, or Pulse wave) and the “true” high energy (Focal shock wave) therapy when considering whether you are an appropriate candidate for treatment and which type of approach is most likely to yield positive results in the treatment of your condition.
The type of ESWT that is best suited for a particular patient is determined after consultation.
It is also important to understand the difference between low energy (Radial pressure wave, or Pulse wave) and the “true” high energy (Focal shock wave) therapy when considering whether you are an appropriate candidate for treatment and which type of approach is most likely to yield positive results in the treatment of your condition.
TREATMENT
The Foot Place is proud to be able to offer “true” high energy, Focal shock wave therapy and low energy Radial pressure / pulse wave therapy.
Focal shock wave therapy can offer relief for conditions that include:
Due to the reduced cost of low energy Radial pressure wave or Pulse wave machines, many patients may have the impression that they have received “true” (Focal) shockwave therapy. Unfortunately this impression is often generated by misinformed patients and uninformed practitioners. There certainly can be differences in effectiveness of high energy shock wave vs. low energy pressure / pulse wave therapy.
We use advanced ESWT technology designed and manufactured by Storz medical, Germany. Storz design and produce gold standard medical instrumentation.
The Foot Place is proud to be able to offer “true” high energy, Focal shock wave therapy and low energy Radial pressure / pulse wave therapy.
Focal shock wave therapy can offer relief for conditions that include:
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis / Heel pain
- Painful heel spur formations
- Recurrent ankle pain
- Pathological bony cartilaginous tissue formation
- Painful scar tissue formation
- Achilles tendonitis
Due to the reduced cost of low energy Radial pressure wave or Pulse wave machines, many patients may have the impression that they have received “true” (Focal) shockwave therapy. Unfortunately this impression is often generated by misinformed patients and uninformed practitioners. There certainly can be differences in effectiveness of high energy shock wave vs. low energy pressure / pulse wave therapy.
We use advanced ESWT technology designed and manufactured by Storz medical, Germany. Storz design and produce gold standard medical instrumentation.
Focal shock wave therapy
High energy ESWT (Focal shock wave therapy) or “true” shockwaves are classified as short duration (approx. 10msec) high energy pulses (5-100MPa) that break the sound barrier resulting in a shockwave. Our high energy shockwave technology allows the shockwave to be focused directly through the affected tissue, resulting in several effects:
There are three different mechanisms for generating high energy shock waves resulting in three different types of SWT device:
Radial pressure wave (Pulsewave) therapy
Low energy shockwaves are generated by a radial pressure wave or pulsewave hand piece that feels like a vibration “jack hammer” sensation.
This type of shockwave is more accurately described as a pressure wave and differs from “true” shock wave technology in the following ways:
High energy ESWT (Focal shock wave therapy) or “true” shockwaves are classified as short duration (approx. 10msec) high energy pulses (5-100MPa) that break the sound barrier resulting in a shockwave. Our high energy shockwave technology allows the shockwave to be focused directly through the affected tissue, resulting in several effects:
- Mechanical pressure and tension forces on the tissue which has been shown to increase cell membrane permeability, thereby increasing microscopic circulation and therefore the metabolism within the treated area. This promotes healing and may result in the dissolution of calcific deposits.
- The pressure front creates behind it a “cavitation bubble” which are small empty cavities created behind this pressure front. When the bubbles collapse, they create a resultant force that has a mechanical impact on the treated tissue. This force helps to break down calcific deposits embedded in damaged tissue.
- Shockwaves stimulate osteoblasts that are cells responsible for bone healing and new bone production.
- Shockwaves stimulate fibroblasts that are cells responsible for healing of connective tissue such as tendons.
- Diminishes pain by two mechanisms: Hyper-stimulation anaesthesia – local nerve endings are overwhelmed with so many stimuli that their activity diminishes resulting in short-term reduction in pain. Gate-control mechanism – whereby local nerves are stimulated to recalibrate perception of pain and result in longer-term reduction in pain.
There are three different mechanisms for generating high energy shock waves resulting in three different types of SWT device:
- Electromagnetic shockwave (Sonocur and Dornier Epos machines)
- Piezoelectric shockwave (Piezoson) * Electrohydraulic shockwave (I.E. HMT OssaTron machine)
Radial pressure wave (Pulsewave) therapy
Low energy shockwaves are generated by a radial pressure wave or pulsewave hand piece that feels like a vibration “jack hammer” sensation.
This type of shockwave is more accurately described as a pressure wave and differs from “true” shock wave technology in the following ways:
- Low energy pressure / pulse waves travel at a much slower speed and don’t break the sound barrier and hence a “true” shockwave is not produced.
- Low energy pressure / Pulse waves are longer, slower and less intense.
- Radial pressure waves/ Pulse waves diverge from the source unlike high energy shockwaves that converge on a target, resulting in less energy applied to the tissue with low energy PWT vs. high energy SWT.
- This type of treatment can be useful for the treatment of tighten muscles but is less effective in treating Scar tissue, bony cartilaginous tissue, heel pain heel spur formations, plantar fasciitis / heel pain and Achilles tendonitis but in comparison the “true” high energy Focal Shock wave.
|
|
Compliance with treatment and rehabilitation recommendations are important factors in achieving optimal results.
The type of ESWT that is best suited for a particular patient is determined after consultation.
The type of ESWT that is best suited for a particular patient is determined after consultation.
For further advice or to make an appointment, please contact one of our professional team, our numbers and contact details are listed on the Contact page.
