Extracorpeal Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive method of treating soft tissue. Shock wave is a short energy wave with high intensity, travelling faster than sound. ESWT does not disintegrate tissue - instead it causes biological effects that help in tissue regeneration. ESWT helps to reduce pain and sensitivity immediately by over-stimulating pain transmission nerves - triggering the repair mechanism of the body by the formation of new blood vessels. The shock wave stimulates osteoblasts (bone cells) in the body and promotes bone healing and new bone production.
​ESWT is a precision based treatment, and can be used to encourage tissue healing and growth, or treat superficial tissue conditions, with specific formulas being used on specific layers or tissues to gain best results.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
How shockwave works is only partly understood and currently there are a number of studies internationally to assist in further understanding the science behind the results being seen with shockwave therapy.
The current understanding is that the shockwave application causes a release of substance P from the terminal vesicles of nerves which saturate the pain fibre receptors. This causes an overload and blocking effect with an immediate decrease in pain. The nerves that cause pain are effectively “paralysed” so that individuals will do a task that usually causes pain and find that this is almost pain free as the repair response has begun.
How many treatments are required?
This will depend on the tissue being treated.
A standard course of treatments is 2-4 spaced weekly.
What results are expected?
Immediate improvement is common after the first treatment. As tissue develops, continued results are noticed in the second and third treatments.
Radial shock waves work best when combined with a tissue or physical rehabilitation program. A healthy lifestyle is encouraged for best results.
The Treatment
Shockwave is a relatively quick and pain free treatment, often combined with ultrasound or radiofrequency, depending on the tissue and result desired.
Pricing
Shockwave is priced based on the shots and detail required, with basic treatments starting from $149, with larger areas treatment starting from $349.