Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a safe non-invasive treatment that can be utilized for many conditions. This treatment helps reduce pain while also encouraging healing to the area. This is an excellent option for patients to recover from many different types of injuries. It is a FDA approved technology that is backed by many studies showing its efficacy for various conditions.
How does it work?
Shockwave therapy is done by specific sound waves that are directed at the site of treatment using a small probe. The probe is placed on the skin and then delivers the shockwave pulses. No incisions, needles, or medications are needed. The shockwaves help decrease pain while stimulating biological signals that promote the body’s own healing factors to the area. This can be a great treatment option for patients with painful areas or injuries that have had difficulty healing such as tendinopathy.
At H2 Sports Medicine we have partnered with SoftWave to provide a high level system that allows for more effective therapy of the treatment site. The therapy that is provided by a SoftWaveTRT device has a wider and deeper therapeutic energy zone than other ESWT devices on the market. This results in greater healing as the energy is spread over a vastly larger and deeper area.
How long does a session take?
Depending on the condition, this is done over a single session or scheduled sessions. A single treatment usually takes around 15-30 minutes.
What conditions does it treat?
This can be used to treat many musculoskeletal ailments. Examples include;
- Muscle strains
- Tendon sprains
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff pain
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect is soreness at the treatment site. This typically resolves quickly and does not restrict activities.
Who should not get ESWT
Conditions that may prohibit or limit treatment include;
- Active infections at the site of treatment
- Age younger than 18
- Active cancer
- Pacemaker
- Pregnancy
How do I start this treatment?
To find out if you’re a candidate, all you need to do is schedule an appointment!
