Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is commonly used in the medical field to treat various musculoskeletal disorders. This technique first emerged around the 1980s as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and has been studied since then for its application in orthopedics and sports medicine. In fact, shockwave’s non-invasive, non-anesthetic nature has made it a preferred choice in treating many conditions.
The Mechanics of Shockwave Generation
The success rates of shockwave therapy in various musculoskeletal disorders have been reported to range from 65% to 91%. Shockwave therapy, a ground-breaking non-invasive approach, taps into the body’s natural healing processes to effectively address musculoskeletal conditions, leading to pain reduction and decreased inflammation. From treating tendinopathies like plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis to addressing bone disorders like avascular necrosis, shockwave therapy showcases remarkable versatility and efficacy. Let’s discuss a few of the numerous conditions that shockwave therapy treats:
1. Shockwave and Proximal Plantar Fasciitis
Millions of people suffer from plantar fasciitis every year, experiencing heel pain and, in some instances, heel spurs (a bony growth in the heel area). This condition can arise from factors like age or doing activities that put a lot of pressure on the heel without adequate breaks, like running or ballet dancing. Marked by intense heel pain, managing this condition has become challenging.
Research and Evidence
In São Paulo, Brazil, a recent study investigated shockwave therapy’s effectiveness for plantar fasciitis. Data from 56 patients during 2017-2018 showed promising results. The research suggests significant improvements in function and quality of life over the assessment periods, making shockwave therapy an effective solution.
2. Shockwave’s Impact on Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, occurs when elbow tendons become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive strain. Despite its name, it’s not limited to tennis players; anyone who engages in repetitive gripping or wrist movements can develop this condition. Shockwave therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for lateral epicondylitis.
Research and Evidence
A study in the Current Health Sciences Journal compared shockwave therapy with standard drug-based treatment. The shockwave therapy group showed greater improvements in pain intensity and common extensor tendon thickness compared to the other group. This research highlighted that shockwave therapy relieves pain and enhances the quality of life for individuals suffering from lateral epicondylitis.
3. Shockwave’s Impact on Calcific Tendinitis
Shockwave therapy has proven effective in treating calcific tendinitis, a condition characterized by the buildup of calcium deposits within tendons, causing pain and limiting movement. Shockwave therapy particularly breaks up the calcium deposits to promote faster healing.
Research and Evidence
Many clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for treating calcific tendonitis. A prospective study saw results from treatment that reduced pain and increased shoulder function within the first four weeks of treatment. Although calcific tendinitis can be highly painful and challenging to treat, shockwave therapy presents an evidence-based approach for quick recovery.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy stands out for being non-invasive, requiring no anesthesia or incisions. Patients can receive quick, evidence-based treatment without any downtime. This translates to increased effectiveness and allows you to treat more patients in less time.
Get the Best Technology on the Market
Shockwave Canada is the exclusive distributor of Storz medical devices, the industry leader in shockwave technology. Healthcare professionals from varying fields use our devices to treat calcific tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and more.
