Introduction

It is an acoustic wave which carries its high energy to the painful spot and provokes healing and repair processes. It can be defined as a wave with a rapid rise of pressure within a very short time and then having a gradual decrease of pressure with a small negative pressure phase.

It is a pressure pulse with following characteristics

  • High positive pressure amplitude 10-1000MPa = 100-1000 Bar (100*atmospheric pressure)
  • Low negative pressure amplitude 1- 10 MPa
  • Short time duration (1-20 microseconds)
  • Rapid pressure increase <100ns
  • Broad frequency spectrum (1Hz to 1MHz)
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Shock Wave Generation

Several types of generators have been used for shockwave therapy, each producing shockwave with varied characteristics. We here use BALLISTIC PRINCIPLE of shockwave generation.

A pressure wave is formed via projectile by using accelerated compressed air. The compressed air is generated by an electrically controlled ballistic pressure compressor. Using elastic impact, the kinetic energy of the projectile is transferred into the probe of applicator and then into the client’s body.

Biological Effects

Biological Effects Of Shock Wave Lithotripsy

  • Prompt and longlasting analgesic effect.
  • Neovascularisation and angiogenesis (formation new blood vessels& increase blood flow)
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Stimulation of local metabolism
  • Osteogenesis and bone remodelling
  • Initiation and acceleration of tendon healing process
  • Reabsorption of calcium deposits
  • Supports collagen production
Applications
  • Shoulder pain (supraspinatus tendinitis)
  • Calcified bicipital tendinosis
  • Frozen shoulder syndrome
  • Tennis Elbow / Golfers Elbow
  • Trigger points
  • Muscle and tendon strains – ( Partial / Interstitial tear )
  • Ligament sprains
  • Dorsalgia
  • Coccxyalgia ( Tailbone pain )
  • Runners Knee Pain
  • Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s knee)
  • Shin splints ( Leg Pain over shin )
  • Heel pain ( Tendo Achilles tendinosis )
  • Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs
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Contraindications
  • Application over eyes, any endocrine glands
  • Blood disorders ( Hemophilia )
  • Blood thinning medications (warfarization).
  • Pregnancy.
  • Thrombosis.
  • Tumour diseases / cancer
  • Acute inflammation
  • Growing cartilage in children
  • Therapy using corticosteroid
  • Fever; infectious diseases
  • Sensations deficit in treated area
  • Osteoporosis ( relative contraindication)
Side Effects
  • Temporary erythema or swelling over the treatment area
  • Loss of bodily sensation or itching can temporarily occur in the treatment area
  • Momentarily increase in pain immediately after the treatment.
  • Haematoma
  • Petechial bleeding
Advantages

Overall Advantages Of Shock Wave Therapy

  • By targeted application, stress to the surrounding tissues is quite insignificant.
  • No medications required.
  • Surgical intervention and their relative hazards can be prevented.