Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy in Edmonton

What is shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy is an advanced non-invasive treatment technique. A series of low-energy acoustic pulse waves penetrate the skin and treat the tissues without medications. The use of the shockwave in healthcare has grown in recent decades. Therapists primarily used Shockwave therapy to remove unwanted calcium deposits such as kidney stones and gallbladder stones in the 1980s. In the 2000s, Radial Shock waves were developed and introduced in physical therapy for rapid pain relief and tissue repair due to injuries. It requires minimal treatment sessions and treats the pathology’s underlying cause.

What is unique about Shockwave Therapy?

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

Innovation Physical Therapy Plus uses the latest Chattanooga RPW 2 Shockwave Therapy Machine. In RPW 2, collisions of a launched projectile inside the applicator against the impact body (Transmitter) convert the kinetic energy into acoustic energy that produces pressure waves. The motion of the impact body transfers to the tissue at the point of skin contact, which is the highest energy concentration. The pressure waves propagate divergently into the underlying tissue in the form of radial pulse waves.

The mechanical energy of the shockwave converts into biochemical energy in the cell and extracellular matrix. The mechanical irritation of cellular matric (Mechanotransduction) and production of gas-filled bubbles (Stable Cavitation) results in the release of many biochemical mediators such as Nitric oxide. It accelerated an immune and inflammatory response, increasing blood circulation (Vasodilatation) and new blood vessel formation (Neo vascularization).

How is shockwave therapy applied?

First, the physiotherapist will complete an assessment to confirm the appropriateness of the treatment application for your condition.

A therapist places a wand-like handheld device over the specific treatment areas, and soundwaves get delivered through several thousand gentle shocks through a coupling media. There is no need for any anesthesia. The treatment time is short, ranging from 2-5 min. The total number of sessions would vary from 3-6 times, and we recommend one treatment session per week for better results.

Focused Vs Radial Shockwave Therapy

Focused waves can be directed at a minimal point with high intensity and go deeper. Radial waves impact a larger but shallower area, suitable for treating superficial musculoskeletal issues like tendons. There has been confusion about the effectiveness of the two different shockwaves. The research findings show no significant difference in the effectiveness of these two types of techniques in musculoskeletal conditions. When applying the most tolerable energy output within medium intensity ranges, Radial Shockwave has been found effective in pain relief and tissue regeneration in many superficial musculoskeletal conditions with a better, safer overall effectiveness in the treatment.

Physiological Effects:

Increase of membrane permeability with the acceleration of weakened cells removal
Activation of self-defence system (production of Cytokines and Free radicals release (Nitric Oxide and Substance P)
Histological changes such as the restructuring of adhesions, increased fibroblasts, and collagen
Reorganization, increase in capillaries and thickening of the paratenon have been observed in healing tendon

What effects to expect from a treatment?

Pain reduction, analgesic effect
Reduction of muscle tension
Better range of motion
Improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation
Remodelling and reabsorption of calcifications (calcium builds up in body tissue, causing the tissue to harden)
Strengthening of connective tissue
The increased cell regeneration process
Pro-inflammatory action – Positively regulates the inflammation
Reduced inflammatory cells in an injured area
Regenerates damaged tissue
Promotes the development of new blood vessels
Stimulates new nerve cell growth and tissue healing
Reboot the healing process stalled in chronic conditions
Effects on Tendon:

Tenocyte proliferation
Tendon tissue regeneration
Tendon remodelling
Facilitate Tendon gliding
Some common tendon conditions are:
- Tendonitis: inflammatory response is seen at a specific site.
- Tendinosis: Chronic tendon pain upon abnormalities on imaging, i.e., intratendinous degeneration with no inflammation on CT, Radiograph or MRI.
- Tendinopathy: Pain with impaired performance, inflammation and intratendinous changes

Some conditions treated with Shockwave Therapy.

Foot and ankle pain:

Plantar Fasciitis,
Achilles Tendinopathy
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Morton’s Neuroma
Heel spurs (Calcaneal Spurs)

Hip and Knee pain:

Bursitis
Patellar Tendinopathy
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Pes anserinus pain syndrome
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin splints)
Calf Hypertonicity/tight muscles
Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Patellar Tendinosis (Jumper’s Knee)

Neck and back pain:

Shoulder pain:

Elbow pain:

Wrist and Hand pain:

Chronic Stress/Non-union Fractures

Erectile dysfunction

Possible temporary side effects:

Covered with extended benefit plans

Currently, most insurance companies and extended benefit plans cover the treatment with Shockwave Therapy as a part of Physical Therapy.

What to expect after the first treatment?

Many people experience good pain relief after the first session. It is common to notice temporary soreness, redness, and mild swelling due to the inflammatory and immune response. Our physiotherapist will assess you after the shock wave therapy session and provide you with the other appropriate treatments, such as specific therapeutic exercises, activity modification and necessary home exercise programs.

Contraindications

Certain conditions are not appropriate for Shock Wave Therapy. Some of the most common are:

Circulation disorders
Nerve disorders
Bone tumours
Cancer
Pregnancy (applications on the back)
People on certain medications, such as blood thinner
Corticosteroid injection (Can be treated with Shockwave six weeks after injection)
Polyneuralgia
Acute inflammation
Thrombosis
Over nerve roots/spinal cord
Over lung tissue
Over a Growth Plate