Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
MVP Physio Dr. is the only clinic within an 80 mile radius that offers Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is the transcutaneous application of high-energy acoustic waves to break down tissue or to promote healing and repair. Focused ESWT involves the application of acoustic waves transmitted in a narrow or focused pattern.
First used in the early 1980s, this type of ESWT emerged as a noninvasive treatment known as lithotripsy to eliminate kidney stones. In the decades that followed the advent of lithotripsy, researchers began to examine other potential clinical applications for focused ESWT and another form of shock wave therapy known as radial ESWT. In contrast to focused ESWT, radial ESWT acoustic waves are transmitted in a more diffuse, radial pattern.
Researchers demonstrated the use of ESWT to reduce pain and promote healing in bone, tendon, ligament and fascia in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, and to reduce spasticity in patients with neurological disorders.
Biological Effects and Benefits of ESWT:
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Stimulation
- Neovascularization
- Angiogenesis
- Tendon Regeneration
- New Blood Vessel Formation
- Reversal of Chronic Inflammation
- Stimulation of Collagen Production
- Bone Regeneration
- Improved Circulation
- Pain Relief
- Reduce Inflammation
- Improved Range of Motion
- Prevent Surgery
- Cortisone Injection Replacement
- No Anasthesia Required
- Non-Invasive
- 60-90% Success Rate
What can ESWT Treat:
- Joint Pains
- Low Back Pain
- Tendinopathies
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Issue
- Calcific Deposits in Rotator Cuff Tendons
- Bone Fractures
- Osgood Schlatter Disease
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Trigger Points
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Patellar Tendinopathy
- Tennis/Golfers Elbow
- Stress Fractures
- Morton's Neuroma
How does it work?
Compressed air accelerates a projectile up to 80 to 90 kph within a guiding tube that strikes a metal applicator placed on the patient's skin. The kinetic energy is converted into a radial shock wave. The projectile generates stress waves in the applicator that transmit pressure waves into tissue to a depth of 4 to 6 cm.​ The kinetic energy of the projectile is converted into an acoustic pressure wave on impact which travels through tissue as an ultrasonic pulse or shockwave.
Note from the Mayo Clinic Physician's
Michael C. Wainberg, M.D., physiatrist at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota. His research interests include musculoskeletal disorders and spasticity and states:
"The interest in ESWT among physiatrists is expanding rapidly. Our colleagues at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center in Minneapolis are currently using radial shock wave therapy to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, and physiatrists at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, are providing this treatment to patients with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders as well. Radial ESWT is currently being used as a therapeutic tool to promote healing and reduce pain in patients with a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological diagnoses. We are seeing a role for it in treating tendinopathies and in promoting healing in bone defects and fractures, both delayed and nonunion."
Current Research
- In a current study, they found that radial shockwaves significantly promoted the proliferation and self-renewal of mesenchymal stem cells and safely accelerated the cartilage repair process, indicating favorable clinical outcomes.
- Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It might be first choice because of its effectiveness and safety.
- Radial ESWT had a significant effect on the reduction of pain and the improvement of functional condition compared to a conventional physiotherapy program. Also, rESWT with core stability exercises led to significant improvements in postural sway compared with conventional physiotherapy in patients with LBP.
- ESWT is an effective treatment for improving pain and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis in the short term with few minor side effects.
Spine
Upper Extremity
Lower Extremity
Neurological
Most reviewed and highest rated Physical Therapy clinic in Macon, Georgia and Bibb County!
Frequently Asked Questions
Shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable but the intensity is adjustable to make the treatment more tolerable.
Treatment can last anywhere from 5-30 minutes, depending on treatment target.
Typically patients may expect some soreness and mild bruising the initial 2-4 days.
You will want to avoid any strenuous activities the day of treatment. Also avoid putting ice over the treatment area and avoid the use of any anti-inflammatories as they may diminish the effects of the treatment.
You may do light exercise/stretching prescribed by your Doctor of Physical Therapy. The use of heat, bath/epsom salt bath, and hydration is recommended.
Since there is no use of medication, the risk of side effects are minimal to none. Minus the potential soreness/bruising.
This is something your Doctor will discuss with you after completing the evaluation and figuring out how many sessions you may need.
The Shockwave Treatment is performed by our expert Doctors of Physical Therapy who have undergone extensive training by the worlds leading experts in Shockwave.
This is something your doctor will go over with you once they have evaluated you.
You will have access to our Doctors post treatment and may ask to speak to them directly, post treatment.
MVP Physio Dr. is located at 1645 Forest Hill Rd, Suite 105, Macon, GA 31210.
Please call, (478) 960-7077, and either Meghan or Chloe will get you taken care of, answer any questions you may have, and get you scheduled.
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