about SWT

Shockwaves definition

Shockwaves are acoustic waves with an extremely high energy peak like ones which occur in the atmosphere after an explosive event such as a lightning strike or a sonic boom. A shockwave differs from ultrasound by its extremely large pressure amplitude. Additionaly, ultrasound usually consists of a periodic oscillation, whereas a shockwave is a single pulse.

Evolution of the shockwave therapy

The term “shockwave therapy” refers to the mechanical pressure pulses that expand as a wave within the human body. In 1980, the shockwave method was used for the first time to disintegrate kidney stones in a patient (Journal of Urology, 1982). During the past two decades, this method has become the standard treatment of choice for renal and urethral calculi.

Shockwaves therapeutic effect

Extracorporeal acoustic wave therapy (in contrast to lithotripsy) is not used to disintegrate tissues, but rather cause microscopic intersticial and extracellular biological effects which include tissue regeneration. In modern pain therapy, acoustic wave energy is conducted from the point of origin, which is the acoustic wave generator (via a coupling gel) to the body regions experiencing pain. There, its healing capacity is applied. 

Clinical indications

Over time, acoustic waveas proven to be an effective and non-invasive method for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pathology including: epicondylitis, heel spur and plantar fascitis, rotator cuff disorders, trigger points, variety of chronic tendinopathies and many other indications. 

Fields of shockwaves application

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is most frequently used in physiotherapy, orthopaedics and sports medicine.