In the field of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, it is a relatively new treatment method. Shockwave Therapy can be used in conjunction or as an alternative treatment in a number of fields of application including:

Foot/Heel   

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spur
• Bursitis
• Achilles Tendinitis

Knee/Leg

• Patellar tendinopathy
• Iliotibal Band Syndrome (ITBS)
• Tibial Syndrome
• Torn muscle fiber

Arm

• Chondrocalcinosis
• Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
• Bursitis olecrani
• Myositis ossificans
• Frozen Shoulder
• Otator Cuff Tendinitis

Back

• Enthesopathy
• Trigger Points
• Spinal syndromes
• Tension headaches
• Migraines

Hand/Finger

• Osteoarthritis of the fingers or the thumb saddle joint.
• Rheumatic diseases
• Tendinitis

Shockwave therapy is used increasingly in Aesthetic Medicine for Metabolic disorders ( cellulite, saddiebags), Scar Treatment and Treatment of stretch marks.

Effects

Shock wave pulses release numerous neurotransmitters. These induce biological responses with regenerative effects on the tissue:

1.Cellular level

• Stimulation of cell division and cytokine production
• Strengthening of the body’s cellular defense by release of free radicals
• Increased production of nitric oxide (NO) to improve bone metabolism and neovascularization
• Stimulation of osteoblast formation to strengthen the bone tissue al the fracture and to stimulate bone growth
• Activation and acceleration of metabolic processes to dissolve calcium deposits and calcifications
• Support of collagen production

2.Circulation

A normal blood flow is critical to the healing process of damaged tissue. Shock waves stimulate circulation and accelerate endogenous regeneration. Moreover, they can support the formation of new blood vessels.

3.Pain Reduction

Shack waves contribute to pain relief in many ways. Primarily, by overstimulation of afferent nerve fibers that transmit pain stimuli to the brain. this causes a blockage of pain signals, and the prevention of pain transmission. Analgesic effects also arise through:

• The release of biologically active substances
• Destruction of pain receptors
• Inhibition of inflammation

4.Reduction of Enhanced Muscle Tone

Tensions in our muscular system often result from an increased muscle tone. Pain in the back, neck and head area, muscle cramps, lumbago, ect. are the result, If individual vertebrae are displaced from their original position, sciatic pain can occur, which may be accompanied by a nervous undersupply of internal organs Shockwaves reduce the contractile activity of muscles and thus counteract muscle tension – even chronic forms. Furthermore, they can dissolve trigger points.

Treatment

2-5 sessions in intervals of one week.

A therapy session lasts between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the disease being treated

Between treatments, patients are able to perform all normal daily activities.

Some patients report immediate pain relief. Usually, however, the healing process takes between 6 and 8 weeks.