The therapeutic shock wave was developed as a medical procedure for elimination of kidney stones, without causing skin injuries more than 20 years ago.
The use of radial shock wave (also known as Radial Pressure Waves (RPW) is being successfully expanded to various wellness and therapeutic applications. While they are particularly used in Europe it’s still an emerging technology to treat musculoskeletal issues within the UK.
The efficacy of the treatment option for specific ailments has been evaluated and approved in each NICE (UK National Institute for Health and Clinic Excellence) as well as FDA (US Food and Drug Administration).
Shockwave Therapy explained
The procedure is known by a variety of names, with the most well-known being SHOCK WAVE THERAPY , or EXTRACORPORAL SHOCKWAVE THERMAPY (ESWT). There has been a suggestion that the therapy variant of shockwave therapy could be referred to as RADIAL SHOCKWAVE THERMAPY (RSWT) to differentiate the nature of the waves from the more intense specific versions that are used in various other areas of medical practice.
Radial shockwaves can also be called Radial Pressure Waves. They are the result of compressed air, which transforms into an acoustic energy. The acoustic energy is transferred via a dispersive signal into the tissues of the area affected.
Production principles
There are four basic methods to create the’shock wave’. These can be described as spark discharge, piezoelectric, pneumatic and electromagnetic (or electrohydraulic). The generated wave can differ in energy content and also has different features of penetration within human tissues. In the field of therapy, the most widely used generation method is built upon the system of pneumatics and the main reason is that the circular (dispersive) wave is produced. Focused waves are vital for surgical interventions however due to the destructive character of them, they are not suitable for use in therapeutic settings. The focused waves are often described as “hard” shockwaves. the dispersive or radial wave is is referred to as a soft shockwave.
RPW Theoretical theories of the mode of action
Shockwave therapy near me reduces pain: The powerful pulses that are transmitted from the handpiece to the tissue helps block the transmission of pain signals (Gate Theory of Control)
The increased metabolism is caused by shock waves. They affect the tissue at the cellular level, which encourages the release of pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory substances
Revascularisation: frequent shock waves alter flow of blood, encouraging regeneration and healing of tissue
A decrease in muscle tone: shock waves aid in restoring a normalized tone of the muscles by reducing the effects of muscle pain
Safety
The fundamental technology used in ESWT has been utilized for a long time for treating millions of patients. It has been utilized widely in Europe and throughout this time, ESWT for the musculoskeletal system has discovered to have almost no negative side effects when utilized by doctors who are trained. In reality, even minor adverse effects such as tingling redness, aching, or bruises are uncommon, minor and temporary.