Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESW)

What Are The Benefits Of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?

In the lineup of adjustments that may be considered for athletes suffering from injuries, shock wave therapy falls in between first-line treatment options like rest, ice, therapeutic exercise, bracing, and orthotics, and invasive and surgical options like needle tenotomy, experimental regenerative medicine treatment or surgical debridement. This middle-ground treatment essentially provides a more cost-effective option that is also lower risk, with a shorter recovery period.

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Common benefits of using extracorporeal shock wave therapy include:

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• Formation of new blood vessels

• Reversal of chronic inflammation

• Stimulation of collagen formation

• Dissolution of chronic fibroblast

• Reduction of pain

• Release of trigger points

What To Expect During An Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Because this adjustment option is non-invasive, the application is simple, and can be initiated in as few as three steps:

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• The location of the problem area; is done using palpation so as to effectively and precisely deliver the therapy.

• The application of sufficient gel to the area; this is done to effectively and smoothly transfer the acoustic waves.

• The use of shockwave applicator against the problem area; the machine is switched on and this begins the treatment.

Conditions that can be adjusted using extracorporeal shock wave therapy include:

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• Jumper’s knee

• Osteoarthritis of the knee

• Heel spurs

• Pain in the shoulder, including frozen shoulder and shoulder impingement

• Tennis elbow

• Golfer’s elbow

• Calcification

• Tendinopathy, also known as the Achilles tendon

• Pain in the hip, including hip impingement syndrome

• Medial tibial stress syndrome