ESWT - Patient Information

Patient information Orthopaedics:

Painless mobility:

Acute or chronic muscular pain, tendon insertion pain or shoulder or heel pain can significantly impair the natural mobility and quality of life! Extracorporeal shock wave therapy-Regaining painless mobility Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)–Effective therapy method for tendon and ligament disorders of the musculoskeletal system. .

What is »ESWT«?

You are suffering from acute or chronic pain in muscles or tendon insertions or in your shoulder or heel area, and this pain significantly impair your natural mobility and your quality of life?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a modern and highly effective treatment method: high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas of the body. Whit this innovative therapy approach, pathological alterations of tendons, ligaments, capsules, muscles and bones can be eliminated systematically.

The beneficial effects of shock wave therapy are often experienced after only 1 or 2 treatment. The therapy eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life.

What are shock waves?

Shock waves are audible high-energy sound waves. They occur in the atmosphere, for example during lightning strokes, or when aeroplanes break through the sound barrier.

In the medical world, shock waves have been used since around 1980 to disintegrate kidney stones, for instance. In modern pain therapy, shock wave energy is conducted from the place of its generation – the shock wave generator – to the painful body regions, where it unfolds its healing capacities.

What are the effects of shock waves?

Shock waves accelerate the healing process by mobilising the body’s self-healing powers. They stimulate metabolic activity and improve blood circulation. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.

• Reddening
• Petechiae
• Pain
• Skin lesions after previous cortisone therapy
• Side effects last for approximately 3-7 days after treatment.

CAUTION:

Only light activities and training should be performed immediately after treatment (S). If performed by qualified therapists, extracorporeal shock wave therapy has virtually no risks or side effects.

Procedure

The therapist identifies the pain region by palpation or shock wave localisation and discusses the findings with you. A skin gel is then applied to the treatment area so that the shock waves can be introduced into the body almost painlessly and without any loss of energy. After these preparation, shock waves are released as the shock wave applicator is moved over the pain region in a circular motion.

Duration and frequency

Each therapy session takes between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. In general, an average of 2 to 3 treatments is necessary at weekly intervals. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is only provided by highly patient-oriented medical offices, it is available as a self-pay service and not covered by statutory health insurance. Private health insurers usually pay for the therapy costs.

Success rate

After only 2 or 3 therapy sessions, over 80% of patients report painlessness or significant pain reduction.