Musculoskeletal injuries are on the rise. Often caused by repetitive movement, trauma, degenerative diseases, or infection, this type of injury represents the leading cause of disability worldwide. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 1.7 billion people are afflicted with musculoskeletal injuries annually.

The musculoskeletal system is an integral component of mobility. This system consists of bones and soft tissues, such as muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. These provide support and stability to the body and allow for movement.

In the past, severe musculoskeletal injuries, from patellar tendinopathy to plantar fasciitis, have required surgery. In recent decades, however, clinicians have discovered that extracorporeal shock wave therapy can save patients from surgery. Beginning in the mid-1980s, this modality began to be used as an alternative treatment method for patients with severe musculoskeletal injuries. This non-invasive therapy carries none of the risks associated with surgery and is highly effective.

Shock wave therapy devices send shockwaves into injured tissues, stimulating increased blood flow and growth hormones to the area, thereby promoting new tissue growth. When it comes to shock wave therapy, there are two types that are generally used:

  • Focused shock wave therapy sends waves into a small area.
  • Radial shock wave therapy delivers shockwaves over a broader area, for instance, along the length of an injured tendon.

The radial pressure waves are at the highest intensity and energy density at the transmitter surface and the pressure waves lose power the deeper they enter the body. This makes it a good treatment for when the targeted tissue is superficial such as in plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, or Achilles tendonitis.

Shock wave therapy devices from Storz radial systems offer a variety of transmitters. They can treat local areas and broad superficial areas, penetrating tissue layers and accelerating the healing process, breaking up adhesions, and releasing trigger points.

There are several musculoskeletal injuries that can be treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)

With these conditions, shock wave therapy is a conservative treatment that can be used as an alternative to surgery. Not only does it help patients heal quickly (usually within 3-5 sessions) it also prevents the risk associated with surgery – no anesthesia, no rehabilitation, and no risk of infection.

To learn more about how shock wave therapy can save your patients from surgery, or to inquire about Shockwave Canada’s lineup of shock wave machines, please visit: www.shockwavecanada.com