Shockwave Treatment – Edmonton, Alberta

Radial pressure waves offer a non-invasive treatment solution for long-term insertion and soft tissue pathologies. Local treatment of the affected area will enhance and reset the healing pattern. The acoustic impulses then transmit into the underlying tissues, treating a large area. Today there are several working hypothesis for the physical effects of radial pressure waves; they are an excellent treatment for conditions that are normally very difficult to treat. These shockwaves reduce pain and improve function through tissue remodelling in 80% of patients treated.

Pain Reduction

The patient experiences a reduction of pain, explained by the Gate Control theory. Intensive pulses from the transmitter into the tissue create a strong nociceptor activation of the A-B fibers, which affect interneurons that inhibit the transmission of the pain signals.

Increased Metabolism

Shockwaves influence the tissue on a cellular level. The chemical environment of the cells are affected by free radicals promoting the release of pain and inflammatory inhibiting substances, controlling inflammation and creating tissue healing and regeneration.

Revascularization

Repeated shockwaves to the affected area create a revascularisation effect, with the new

blood flow in the area promoting tissue healing and regeneration.

Reduced Muscle Tone

The “vicious circle”, as well as the strong pathological association between pain and muscle tone, will be broken and lead to restoring a normalized muscular tone.

How successful is the therapy?

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

How is the therapy performed?

The doctor localizes the trigger points in the painful region and discusses the findings with you. A skin gel is then applied to the treatment area to allow the shockwaves to be introduced into the body almost painlessly and without any loss of energy. After these preparations, shockwaves are released as the shockwave applicator is moved over the pain region in a circular motion.

What is the duration and frequency of the therapy?

The therapy session takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. "In general, an average of 4 to 6 therapy sessions are necessary at weekly intervals dependent on the condition treated and its chronicity.

Treatment of Conditions

Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for:

• Myofascial trigger points
• Muscle tension caused by painful muscular nodules (trigger points)
• Chronic tension or muscle spasms
• Tendon and muscle conditions
• Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, heel spur or pain in the foot
• Tendinosis calcarea/supraspinatus-tendonitis
• Radial and ulnar humeral epicondylitis, golfer’s and tennis elbow
• Achillodynia, Achilles tendinitis
• Retropatellar Pain Syndrome, knee pain, jumper’s knee
• Tibial Stress Syndrome, shin splints
• Proximal Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome/trochanteric bursitis
• Insertional tendonitis
• Shoulder pain, e.g. shoulder calcifications, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder
• Piriformis Syndrome, groin injuries
• Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain
• Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia

Success Rates

• 91% improvement for calcific tendonitis (Journal of American Medical Association 2003)
• 77% improvement for tennis elbow (The Journal of Orthopedics 2005)
• 90% improvement for plantar fasciitis (Journal of Orthopedics Research 2005)

*Individual results may vary.

Have questions? Call us today.