Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic pain. Studies indicate that it is extremely effective at reversing damage to tissue allowing the affected area to regenerate and heal itself. Research shows this:
- 77% improvement for tennis elbow "Journal of Orthopedics’ 2005"
- 67% improvement for plantar fasciitis "Journal of Orthopedic Research 2005"
- 91% improvement of calcific tendonitis "Journal of American Medical Association 2003"
What Does Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Treat?
- Elbow Pain: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendonitis, repetitive strain
- Shoulder Pain: “frozen shoulder”, tendonitis such as supraspinatus or biceps
- Knee Pain: Osteoarthritis, torn meniscus, patellar tendinopathy, shin splints
- Ankle and Foot Pain: Heel spurs AKA plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, chronic instability of the ankle /foot
- Hip pain: trochanteric bursitis
- Myofascial pain—Trigger points
- Chronic ligament tear/ sprains
- Tendonitis of the hand / thumb
How Does It Work?
Contrary to conventional treatment methods, ESWT eliminates pain right at the point of origin. The point of injury is subjected to high energy acoustic pulses (or shock waves) through the use of a narrow rod. The body reacts with a strong healing response with raised local metabolism, increase capillary growth and tissue regeneration. Calcified tissue will start to be broken-up and re-absorbed by the body.
A typical case of tendonitis can be treated in about 4 to 6 treatments spaced out every 5 to 10 days. The body will also need an additional 10 to 12 weeks to complete the tissue regeneration process.
Myofascial pain (trigger points) can be treated in 6 to 10 treatments spaced every 3 to 6 days plus an additional 10 to 12 weeks for tissue regeneration.
Chronic ligament instability needs 6 to 8 treatments spaced every 7 to 10 days plus 10 to 12 weeks of tissue regeneration.
Our Unique Equipment
We invest heavily in advanced shock wave equipment. Our philosophy is to have the best equipment available in order to treat the widest possible array of problems. For example, in addition to the radial treatment head, available on the STORZ MEDICAL MASTERPULS® shock wave treatment apparatus, we have also invested in the STORZ MEDICAL DUOLITH® SD1 electro magnetic “focused head” system. The focused head gives us the ability to treat minute injuries to tendons and ligaments, which may not be as easily accessible and treatable using the wider, standard, radial head. As far as we know, we are only one of three Canadian treatment centres that have the combined Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy System DUOLITH® SD1 (both focused and radial heads).
What Should I Expect?
A narrow rod will be used on the affected area. It will feel like a pulsating jack hammer. You will experience a sensation of mild discomfort while the pulses help to break down scar tissue. the process is very tolerable and patients adjust to it as time progresses. Local redness will be produced and in some rare cases bruising. These will go away. There may be some increased soreness in the next 24 hours after the treatment but this is only a healing reaction and should subside by the following day. The entire healing process can take up to 10 to 12 weeks but the result is rejuvenated tissues that are not easily injured as before.
If you would like more information about Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (905) 294-1990. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
