Shockwave Therapy: Treating and Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), also referred to as shockwave therapy, is one of the many physiotherapy treatments used to alleviate a myriad of musculoskeletal injuries. Shockwave therapy was first introduced to manage urologic conditions in 1982, and its success in treating urinary stones propelled it as a first-line, noninvasive, and effective method. Subsequently, it was later identified as a possible treatment for other medical fields, such as physiotherapy.

Shockwave Therapy: How Does it Work

Shockwave therapy uses a specialist device that features a fast-energy projectile that transmits acoustic waves with high energy peaks to the myoskeletal tissues when applied to the injured area of the body. The sound waves disrupt the transmission of the pain neurotransmitters, which then works to rearrange and correct the way the body interprets pain at a molecular level. Aside from alleviating pain, the medical benefits include accelerated tissue repair and cell growth by stimulating collagen production and new blood vessel formation, as well as mobility restoration – all of which are important in alleviating and treating chronic, sub-acute and acute conditions.

There are two major types of shockwaves used during ESWT procedures: focused shockwaves and radial shockwaves.

Radial Shockwaves

Radial shockwave is the most common type of ESWT used to treat larger areas of superficial indications. Radial pressure waves use compressed air to accelerate the projectile, which will hit the applicator and transmit the generated pressure wave into the body.

Focused Shockwaves

Focused shockwaves are generated by electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric devices which produces concentrated shockwave energy on a well-defined point of the target tissue. While they are characterised by a single pulse with a high rise time, focused shockwaves also come with varying degrees of focal volume, depth and level of penetration, level of energetic flux density, and total energy administrated.

The waves of pressure generated will propagate through the surrounding tissues, triggering blood flow and tissue remodelling. For those that require high-energy focused shockwave therapy, you are advised to do it with radiographic or ultrasound guidance to avoid damage and optimise treatment efficiency.

Common Clinical Applications

Shockwave therapy is primarily used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Here are a few of such common conditions:

1. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome, or more commonly known as rotator cuff tendinitis, occurs when the rotator cuff rubs against the top outer edge of your shoulder blade. Causes include repeated irritation of the area, a sudden injury to the shoulder, or calcium buildup in the tendons. Regardless of the reasons, the impingement leads to pain and joint immobility, which will only further exacerbate if not treated early.

Shockwave therapy is a standard option for treating acute and chronic shoulder impingement syndrome. Through its shockwaves, it helps alleviate the inflammation and pain, while simultaneously breaking down any calcium deposits.

2. Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that causes your finger(s) to get stuck in a bent position. It occurs when the tendons are inflamed, narrowing the space within the sheath that keeps the tendons in place, resulting in restriction of tendon movement.

ESWT has been found to be an effective method to decrease pain severity and improve general functional capacity, range of motion, grip strength as well as pinch strength in those diagnosed with trigger finger.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a fibrous tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. It is most commonly caused by repetitive strain injury to the ligament of the sole of the foot, but other contributing factors include having a naturally high arch or regularly wearing unsupporting shoes.

Since it is located in an area of the foot with limited blood flow, healing from plantar fasciitis can take a very long time. ESWT helps to optimise this recovery by healing the inflammation through increased blood circulation and cell activity, facilitating a speedy healing process.

Engage Equilibrio for Shockwave Therapy

Achieve a pain-free lifestyle with Equilibrio Chiropractic. Leverage our extensive range of services designed to alleviate, treat, and manage a myriad of musculoskeletal conditions. We offer not just shockwave therapy, but non-surgical spinal decompression therapy as well as dry needling therapy. Book a consultation with our chiropractors in Singapore to learn more.