Shock wave Therapy is a technique in which high pressure acoustic waves are passed through the body in order to get pain relief along with the tissue repair.
History Of Shock Wave Therapy:
For many years, Shock wave treatment was used only for the breakdown of the renal calculi and this process is known as Lithotripsy treatment. It was originally developed for the removal of kidney stones to avoid surgery. After getting the success full treatment of the kidney stones, patients have also reported an increase in the recovery of the chronic musculoskeletal conditions in the regions where the shock wave was applied. this has opened the new doors of research on the use of shock wave for musculoskeletal problems since early 1900’s.
Principle of Shock wave Therapy:
When high intensity sound wave is passed through the body, it will breakdown the scars and calcifications. As a result, new tissue generation starts. there will be neo vascularization in order to provide the essential components for the synthesis of the new tissues. It causes the resolution of the chronic inflammation and also stimulates the formation of the collagen.
Technique of Application Of Shock wave Therapy:
Two main type of shock wave machines are available. One is low energy , while the other is high energy machine. Whenever high energy treatments are required, the treatment is done in the operating room by giving the patient regional or general anesthesia. on the other hand, when low energy treatments are required, they can be done without any regional or general anesthesia.
However, now a days only low energy treatments are usually given with the placement of the probe of the shock wave machine over the area requiring treatment . then the shock waves are passed for the recommended time period.
Dosage of Shock wave Therapy:
5 sessions with weekly intervals for about 10-15 min is recommended for most of the conditions.
Indications of Shock wave Therapy:
- plantar fasciatis/heel spur (calcaneal spur)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Other forms of insertional tendinopathy
other musculoskeletal problems:
- Muscle stains
- Calcified Hematomas
- Shin splints
- Osteitis pubis
- Recalcitrant triger points
- Osgood Schlatter Disease
Contraindications:
- Coagulation disorders and the use of anticoagulants
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Polyneuropathy as in diabetes
- Cortisone injections within one month befor the Shock Wave Therapy treatment
- Any cardiac or circulatory problems
- Nerve or blood supply that are passing close to the area of the treatment
Precautions:
- No NSAIDS should be taken one week before the treatment.
- No ice should be applied after the treatment.
No anti inflammatory drugs should be used after the treatment.
