Background

Extracorporeal shockwave (ESWT) is a technique where targeted acoustic waves are used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, reducing pain and promoting healing. In everyday life, most sound waves will pass through matter without causing any noted effect. However, certain waves stay in matter. In the case of the body, when these waves are concentrated they stay in your tissues at high enough concentrations and for a long enough duration to cause a change.  At high enough of a frequency, they can make a big change in pain levels and function. The millijoules are adjusted to get the waves to the indicated depth.  Studies have shown great results with plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and a number of other musculoskeletal complaints by inducing tissue repair and regeneration.  Common areas to be treated typically involve attachment points of tendons and ligaments in major joints such as the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, shoulder, elbow and knee.  Multiple high-quality randomized clinical trials have provided substantial evidence that ESWT is a safe and effective noninvasive option for treating tendinopathy throughout the musculoskeletal system.  

With extracorporeal shockwave therapy, the acoustic waves are able to reverse chronic inflammation, stimulate collagen production, dissolve calcium build-up, and release trigger points.  Most patients require a series of treatments, each of which lasts 30 minutes or less.  A typical course of treatment is one session weekly for 3-8 weeks, depending on the condition.  More information can be found here.

Dr. Emily Gannaway is our physician who performs ESWT at Medipro Holistic Health.  Request a consult today to see how she can help you.

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