SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT TREATMENT

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves creating a series of low energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directly applied to an injury through a person’s skin via a gel medium. As suggested by its name, it involves acoustic shock waves passed through the skin and targeted towards injured areas using a special handpiece or device. It helps treat chronic pain in affected areas such as the heel and elbows.

These are intense and made of short energy waves that travel faster than the speed of sound. The procedure works by enhancing blood flow to the injured area, thereby accelerating the natural healing process and regeneration of the tissue.

The break-down of scar tissue is the key to why shock wave therapy is so effective by increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, shockwave therapy will stimulate cell regeneration and promote normal healing and rapid reduction of pain.

Most common indications include: painful shoulder, epicondylitis, low back pain, Achilles tendon pain, patellar tendonitis and trigger points.

Conditions:

Shockwave therapy is used to treat various musculoskeletal pain, diseases, and conditions, specifically those that involve connective tissues attached to the bone. It is a more advanced treatment option considered if conservative treatments such as rest, ice therapy, painkillers, steroid injections, and physiotherapy fail to offer patients adequate relief.

It can treat various conditions including:

· Plantar fasciitis or fasciitis – A condition characterized by stabbing pain in the heel due to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which connects the bones to the toes.

· Achilles tendonitis – A condition caused by overuse of the Achilles' tendon, found between the calf muscles and the hind lower leg

· Calcific tendonitis – This refers to pain caused by calcium build-up in the tendon, leading to pressure and irritation

· Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow – A condition characterized by the inflammation and pain in the tendons of the elbow due to overuse of the forearm, arm, and the hand muscles

· Morton’s neuroma – This refers to heel pain caused by thickening of connective tissues surrounding the nerve between the bases of the toes (common in women, usually due to long-term use of high heels or tight shoes)

· Heel spur – This refers to the pain due to calcium deposit protrusion on the underside of the heel bone

Shock wave therapy is not recommended for:

· Children

· Pregnant women

· Patients taking blood clot inhibiting medications (anticoagulants) and antiplatelet drugs

· Patients with bone tumors and certain metabolic bone conditions

· Patients with nerve and circulation disorders

· Those with a cardiac pacemaker or other device installed

· Those with a foot infection

· Patients who had steroid injection in the past three months

How is the Procedure Performed?

After a full evaluation of medical history, the procedure is pre-planned by marking the trigger point and actual sore area, where a special gel is then applied. The ESWT handpiece is then positioned strategically to start transmitting shockwaves in marked areas. The handpiece delivers slow and gentle compressed air impulses through the ultrasonic gel. The entire procedure lasts only about 15 minutes.

During the procedure, patients usually feel some degree of pain. While the shock waves are being released, the orthopedic specialist may adjust treatment to ensure that the pain is manageable and tolerable for the patient.

After the session, patients are usually able to stand up and walk normally. Pain medications, anti-inflammatory medication, or ice therapy are NOT recommended as these might interfere with the proper healing process. While normal activities can be resumed right away, strenuous activities must be avoided 48 hours after the ESWT session.

Most patients notice significant improvement after just one session. Success rates are about 80% and increase to 90% with a second treatment.

Get your Shockwave therapy done in DBC Ampang.

Call us to book an appointment at 019-955 2195.