What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical treatment that involves the delivery of shock waves to injured soft tissue to reduce pain, restructure musculotendinous scar tissue, and promote healing. ESWT is considered a disruptor of tissue and a viable treatment option for chronic tendinopathies such as rotator cuff syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee, hip bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and strain/sprain of the neck and spine to name a few.
Initially used for the management of urologic symptoms like kidney stones. Subsequently, shock wave therapy was studied in an orthopedic setting where it was found to be successful for tendinopathies and other soft tissue injuries.
In comparison to ultrasound, shock wave therapy peak pressure is approximately 1000 greater.
Mechanism of Action
Promotes neovascularization at the tendon-bone junction.
Stimulates the production of tendon cells and bone cells locally.
Increases leukocyte infiltration which means a heightened immune response.
Amplified growth factor and protein synthesis to stimulate collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling.
Considered a disruptor of tissue.