ESWT is an evidence-based, state-of-the-art treatment modality that utilizes shockwaves to promote the body’s own healing response to treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions usually involving a tendon and its insertion into the bone.
ESWT is considered one of the great advances in orthopedics over the past few decades.
ESWT is FDA approved in the US and has been utilized for decades in Europe and other parts of the world.
Research shows that over 80% of individuals treated with ESWT can experience significant pain relief and an increase in function.
ESWT is a safe, noninvasive, effective, and economic treatment for many chronic musculoskeletal disorders for pain relief and improvement of function.
ESWT is not covered by most insurance plans.
Two Types of Machines
Shockwave Center of Maine offers two types of machines, Focused Shockwave and Radial Pressure Wave to provide the gold-standard of medical shockwave treatment.
Focused Shockwave (FSW)
Focused Shockwave (FSW) is considered true Shockwave Therapy and utilizes shockwaves to create mechanical and biological responses within the affected target tissue to promote the body’s own inflammatory and healing response on a cellular level.
Radial Pressure Wave (RPW)
Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) utilizes pressure waves and is not considered true Shockwave Therapy. RPW is used regionally in conjunction with FSW therapy to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes such as increasing blood flow, modulating nerve activity to decrease pain, and promoting tissue repair.
Shockwave Therapy Can Help:
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (calcific and non-calcific)
- Achilles Tendonitis (insertional and midportion)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
- Gluteal Tendonitis
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Hamstring Tendonitis
- Patellar Tendonitis
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Chronic Muscle Spasticity
What to expect during treatment:
- Our shockwave team will evaluate your injury and formulate a specific treatment plan utilizing FSW and RPW. Shockwave treatment is rendered on the initial visit.
- Treatment sessions are spaced one-week apart and in some instances two-weeks apart for a total of 3-5 treatment sessions.
- Treatment sessions are generally 20-25 minutes per body region.
- Individuals may feel mild to moderate discomfort during shockwave treatment which usually resolves quickly.
- Potential side effects include temporary increased soreness lasting 24-48 hours, redness, and more uncommonly, mild bruising.
- Shockwave Therapy works best in conjunction with physical therapy and individuals may be given exercises to perform daily to load the target tendon to optimize tissue healing and adaptation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing such as sweat/yoga pants, shorts, or tank tops in order to receive treatment to the area involved.