Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is treatment method used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. The ESWT treatment uses high-energy shockwave impulses to stimulate the healing process in damaged tendon tissue. These impulses are targeted directly to the area that is causing pain. This method is often used as an alternative treatment for individuals suffering from chronic pain, who do not want to undergo surgery.
Benefits of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is considered a safe and effective alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that typically takes under 30 minutes to perform. Most patients experience significant pain relief immediately following the treatment and as time passes, pain continues to subside. This is a low risk, non-invasive procedure and no surgical incisions are necessary. In addition, the recovery period is faster than with traditional surgery and there are minimal to no side-effects.
The Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Procedure
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes under 30 minutes to perform. A device is directed at the injured area, and ESWT delivers intense waves of energy through the skin to induce microtrauma and stimulate the healing process. Shockwave therapy can be delivered in both high-energy and low-energy forms. High-energy treatments are performed in one session, but may cause some discomfort, so a local anesthetic is often used. Low-energy treatments are administered over a series of three or more sessions and cause little to no pain, so a local anesthetic is typically not necessary. Some patients may experience soreness, swelling or bruising after the treatment.
As the area heals and damaged tissue cells rebuild, improvement is often noticed within a few days. As the healing process continues within the injured area, most patients continue to experience relief of symptoms and a full recovery may take several weeks.