Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy (formally extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves into musculoskeletal tissue to stimulate the body's natural healing response. The shockwave generator produces acoustic waves that create microtrauma within the target tissue, triggering increased blood flow, the release of growth factors, and the formation of new blood vessels in the treated area. Treatment sessions typically last around ten minutes, and the number of sessions required varies depending on the condition and the individual's response. Shockwave therapy does not involve surgery or needles and carries a relatively short recovery period compared to surgical alternatives; common side effects are temporary and include mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising at the treatment site. It is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those on blood-thinning medications, or those with open wounds or infections in the treatment area. At CARe, shockwave therapy is delivered by AHPC-registered physiotherapists and occupational therapists at our Camden Medical Centre and Parkway Centre locations in Singapore.
 
Mechanism of Action:

1. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves, often generated by a device known as a shockwave generator or lithotripter, to create high-energy shockwaves.

2. These shockwaves are applied to the affected area of the body, typically through a handpiece or applicator.

3. The shockwaves create microtrauma within the tissue, which triggers the body's natural healing response. This includes increased blood flow, the release of growth factors, and the formation of new blood vessels in the treated area.

Conditions Treated:

1. Plantar fasciitis

2. Tendinitis (e.g., Achilles tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinitis)

3. Calcific shoulder tendinopathy (Frozen shoulder)

4. ​Tennis / Golfers' elbow (lateral / medial epicondylitis)

5. ​DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis

6. Trigger finger

7. Myofascial Trigger point pain

​Procedure:

1. During a shockwave therapy session, the patient typically sit or lies in a comfortable position.

2. A gel is applied to the skin at the treatment site to enhance the transmission of shockwaves.

3. The therapist uses the shockwave device to deliver the shockwaves to the specific area of concern.

4. Treatment sessions usually last around 10minutes, and several sessions may be required, depending on the condition and the individual's response to the therapy.

 

Benefits:

1. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, which means it does not involve surgery or the use of needles.

2. It can often provide pain relief and improve function in chronic conditions.

3. The treatment typically has a relatively short recovery period compared to surgical alternatives.

Risks and Side Effects:

1. Common side effects include temporary discomfort, mild swelling, and bruising at the treatment site.

2. In rare cases, patients may experience numbness, tingling, or skin redness.

3. Serious complications are rare, but it's essential to follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for post-treatment care.

 

Effectiveness:

1. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy can vary from person to person and depending on the condition being treated.

2. It is often considered when other conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.

 

Contraindications:
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for pregnant individuals, individuals taking blood-thinning medications, those with certain medical conditions, or those with open wounds or infections in the treatment area. Patients interested in shockwave therapy should consult our therapists at CARe to determine if it is an appropriate treatment option for their specific condition and medical history.


Here are some common physical agent modalities:​