Shockwave treatment has emerged as a preferred treatment modality for many musculoskeletal conditions because it is non-invasive and drug-free. By targeting an affected area with acoustic sound waves, shockwave treatment enhances metabolism and circulation, stimulating the cells responsible for healing damaged tissue and bone.

Many renowned scientists have studied shockwave treatment to clinically prove its efficacy, including Dr. Markus Gleitz.

International Shockwave Treatment Expert

Dr. Markus Gleitz, a German orthopedic surgeon working in Luxembourg, has been studying the efficacy of shockwave treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions for over two decades.

After completing his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Saarland magna cum laude, Dr. Gleitz graduated as an orthopedic surgeon. He has additional specialization in:

  • Sports medicine
  • Physical therapy
  • Chirotherapy
  • Naturopathy

Dr. Gleitz’s core competencies include conservative treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, particularly myofascial pain and tendinopathies, and developing empirical muscle treatment regimens using different shockwave devices.

Here are a few summaries of his groundbreaking research demonstrating the effectiveness of shockwave treatment.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Dr. Gleitz literally wrote the book on using shockwave treatment for myofascial pain syndrome, entitled Myofascial Syndromes & Trigger Points. The text offers healthcare professionals a practical guide on the subject, providing the physical principles of shockwave treatment and the pathophysiological aspects of myofascial pain, and covers the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of shockwave treatment.

Achilles Tendon Pain

Dr. Gleitz published a study investigating the possibility of improving active calf muscle extensibility for patients with chronic achillodynia using shockwave treatment. The study involved 102 patients and showed lasting improvement in active dorsal extension by nine degrees after an average of approximately four therapy sessions.

Plantar Fasciitis

For a symposium on tendon problems held at the Orthopaedic University Clinic of Mainz, Dr. Gleitz presented a paper on the importance of the flexor chain for the results of treating chronic plantar fasciitis using shockwave treatment.

Dr. Gleitz took a group of 124 patients with plantar fasciitis and retracted calf muscles and divided them into two groups. One group only received shockwave treatment at the heel while the second group received treatment at the heel and the calf. He measured pain using the Visual Analogue Score and the thickness of the tendon by sonography.

Dr. Gleitz concluded the group who had received shockwave treatment at both the heel and the calf had better results in both reduced pain and tendon thickness.

Your Local Shockwave Treatment Experts

If you’re interested in incorporating shockwave treatment into your practice, the experts at Shockwave Canada are ready to help. Our practitioners have over twenty years of experience with shockwave treatment and provide 24/7 medical support. We also offer yearly training seminars with the past president of the World Shockwave Society.

To learn more about our technology, call 1 (888) 741-SHOC(7462) or visit our website.