Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

What is extracorporeal shock wave therapy?

Performance Therapy Institute provides extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as a safe, noninvasive treatment to address musculoskeletal pain. Your provider uses acoustic shock waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues, which can help alleviate a wide variety of conditions by promoting tissue repair and regeneration.

How does extracorporeal shock wave therapy work?

ESWT delivers focused or radial shockwaves to the precise area that needs treatment. These waves of energy interact with the tissues, triggering a cascade of biological responses such as:

Increased blood flow and angiogenesis

ESWT helps you heal by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured area.

Cellular stimulation

Shockwaves can stimulate cells, such as osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and fibroblasts (cells that form connective tissue).

Pain reduction

ESWT reduces pain by disrupting pain signals and promoting the release of your body’s pain-relieving chemicals.

Tissue repair and regeneration

It can help break down scar tissue, stimulate new tissue growth, and improve your entire healing process.

What conditions benefit from extracorporeal shock wave therapy?

ESWT treats many painful musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Achilles tendinitis and other tendon issues
• Shin splints
• Poorly-healing bone fractures (bony nonunions)
• Knee osteoarthritis

It can also reduce inflammation, ease pain, and regenerate soft tissues. This makes it a powerful tool for addressing various injuries.

What can I expect during extracorporeal shock wave therapy?

The Performance Therapy Institute provides ESWT as an outpatient therapy, and the process is quick and convenient. Since it’s a low-energy treatment, you don’t need any anesthesia.

Your provider prepares the injured area with a special gel to help the shockwaves penetrate the tissues and uses a small handheld device to administer your treatment.

You may feel a tapping or vibrating sensation and some discomfort, but it should be tolerable. Typically, the session lasts 15-20 minutes and you can return to your regular activities straight away.

Steer clear of strenuous exercise for a week or two, and don’t worry if you notice some redness or soreness in the area — these are part of your body’s healing response and should subside quickly.

ESWT delivers the best results when paired with other treatment modalities like physical therapy. The Performance Therapy Institute team personalizes your care to treat your symptoms and see long-lasting improvements.

Call the nearest Performance Therapy Institute office today to book your extracorporeal shock wave therapy consultation or schedule an appointment online.