Shockwave Therapy: Purpose, Benefits, Side Effects, Cost, Time to Work
Key Takeaways
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Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment modality that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the healing process in a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
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The therapy can benefit patients by reducing pain, accelerating recovery, and improving mobility without the need for surgery.
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Some patients may experience immediate relief, but typically, significant results are noticed after several weeks.
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Side effects are generally minimal, but may include temporary discomfort or swelling at the treatment site.
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Costs vary and may not be covered by insurance, but the value of avoiding surgery makes it a worthwhile considerat
What Is The Purpose of Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, a form of regenerative or orthobiologic medicine, utilizes Extracorporeal Focused Ultrasound Waves (Eufows) to target injured or inflamed tissues within the musculoskeletal system to produce high-energy acoustic waves that trigger a cascade of mechanobiological events within the targeted area. This mechanobiological response encompasses:
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Angiogenesis: Eufows stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), enhancing blood flow and delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the injured tissues.
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Lithotripsy: The acoustic energy facilitates the fragmentation of scar tissue and microcalcifications (lithotripsy), promoting the breakdown of these impediments to healing.
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Growth Factor Induction: Shockwave therapy also encourages the release of growth factors, such as Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), which play a critical role in stimulating tissue repair and regeneration.
By initiating these cellular processes, Eufow therapy promotes a natural healing response within the targeted musculoskeletal tissues, potentially alleviating pain and improving mobility. This minimally invasive approach offers a valuable treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions, often preferred by patients due to its ability to avoid surgical intervention.
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