Shockwave
Introduction
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a fairly new alternative treatment administered by professionals like medical doctors, physiotherapist and chiropractors. Radial Shockwave Therapy is a series of high energetic shockwaves applied to the area that needs treatment. A shockwave is a purely mechanical wave, not an electric one.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
The treatment initiates an inflammation-like condition in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications.
On what parts of the body can Shockwave Therapy be used?
We treat chronic tendon inflammations in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and achilles. This treatment can be applied to so-called heel spurs and other painful conditions in the foot sole.
What is the success rate for Shockwave Therapy?
Documented international results show an overall result rate of 77% of chronic conditions that have not been cured with other kinds of treatment.
What are the advantages with Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is applied without medication, for example Cortisone injections, or X-ray. The treatment stimulates and effectively supports the body’s self healing mechanisms. It is usual to experience immediate pain relief following the treatment and hence improved movement. Reported side effects are minimal.
How long does each treatment last?
It takes 5 - 10 minutes to administer 2-3000 shockwaves per treatment.
Is the shockwave treatment itself painful?
Sometimes the treatment is a bit painful, but most people can stand these few intense minutes without medication.
What shall I do if I am in pain after the treatment?
Shockwave Treatment initiates an inflammation-like condition in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the metabolic activity around the impact area which in turn stimulates and accelerates the body’s own healing processes. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication, this slows down the healing process.
What if I am painless after the shockwave treatment?
Even if you have no pain we strongly recommend that you refrain from intensive activities that stress the treated area for the next 48 hours after each treatment.
What if the shockwave treatment doesn’t work for me?
Even though the response to shockwave treatment normally is exceptionally good within a few weeks it may take several months before maximum effect is achieved. If you after 3-4 months still do not experience a pronounced improvement, surgery for example may be an alternative depending on your particular clinical picture.
Conditions
What is a calcified shoulder (tendinosis calcarea)?
Calcified shoulder is a frequent diagnosis among patients with shoulder pains. Typically, calcific deposits can be seen in the shoulder on x-ray; these deposits are usually located between the femoral head and the top of the shoulder (acromion). In general tendinosis calcarea occurs as a result of over-exertion of the shoulder. However, injury is also a possible cause.
Because of an inflammation of the tendon attachment, shoulder pain can also occur in patients without calcific deposits.
The plantar aponeurosis on the sole of the foot consists of a broad strip of thick fibrous tissue running from the heel bone to the toes. As a result of excessive strain on this membrane – caused, for example, by flat feet, overweight or sports – an inflammation of the tendon attachment develops which causes pain in the heel or mid-foot. The pain may be more severe in the morning when the patient first puts weight on the foot. In some cases, a bony spur (“heel spur”) can actually be seen in the heel bone on x-ray. However, the presence of a heel spur does not necessarily lead to the symptoms described above.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the attachment of the Achilles tendon.
In most cases, the pain is caused by overuse of the tendon or by injury. A thickening of the tendon attachment can be palpated. This condition causes pain during running and leads to severe limitation of movement.
The Achilles tendon, which is between 12 and 15 cm in length, is the strongest and thickest tendon in the human body.
What is tennis elbow or golfer's elbow (epicondylitis)?
Interestingly enough, it is generally not the tennis players who develop tennis elbow. Instead, the disease usually strikes do-it-yourselfers who perform some kind of unaccustomed manual labour on weekends which places too much strain – or improper strain – on their elbows. Tennis elbow may lead to a chronic inflammation.
A very similar situation exists with respect to golfer’s elbow. Here again it is usually not the people who play regularly who develop problems. The disease is presumably caused by intensified strain on ligaments and muscles. Whereas the tendon attachment on the medial (inside) joint surface is affected in patients with golfer’s elbow, the tendon attachment on the lateral (outside) joint surface is diseased in patients with tennis elbow.
Patellar tip syndrome is an inflammation of the tendon at the tip of the kneecap or patella. This tendon leads from the muscle origin to the patella.
This disorder is especially common among athletes; it is caused by the heavy strain placed on the knee during jumping and leads to intense pain and massive restriction of movement.