Piezo-electric shock wave therapy (Also known as Radial Pulse Wave Therapy) is an extremely effective and non-invasive solution to pain associated with musculoskeletal system. It delivers a series of high-energy percussion waves to the area being treated. These are NOT electric shocks, but physical/mechanical pulses that will travel through the tissue being treated.
How Does It Work?
PiezoWave delivers thousands of high energy shock waves to the affected tissue in the region of treatment, typically “the painful area”. These impulses are thought to cause scar tissue and calcific fibroblasts to break down and this in turn provokes metabolic activity and an inflammatory response which promotes and stimulates healing.
This form of treatment, being relatively new, is still being researched. It has been in use in Europe for many years with very successful clinical results in treating various forms of musculoskeletal conditions.
Are there Any Physiological Effects?
Piezo-electric shock wave therapy is believed, and has clinically shown, to have the following effects:
- Reduce Local Muscle Tension
- Increase production of collagen
- Help dissolve calcific fibroblasts
- Facilitate healing
- Improve local micro circulation leading to improved tissue metabolism
- Stimulate the “washing away” of Substance-P (a pain producing chemical)
- Eliminate pain
What Are Some Of The Benefits?
This therapy can be used without the use of X-rays or drugs, although the diagnostic process and or previous treatments may have already included these. It is thought to stimulate the body’s own healing ability.
In many instances there can be an immediate reduction of pain as well as improved mobility and improved function. It is non-invasive and there is no need for anesthesia. There are minor secondary effects following treatment, generally some soreness that will dissipate in a short amount of time.
How Long Do Treatments Take?
Each session of treatment will take approximately 5-10 minutes. During this time 2000 to 3000 pulse waves are delivered into the area being treated. Approximately 2000 shocks are delivered lasting around 5 minutes.
3-5 treatments are needed with 5-10 days between treatments.
Does The Treatment Hurt?
Depending upon the level of pain the patient is already experiencing in the area, there may be some discomfort during each treatment. However, most patients are able to tolerate the treatments very well since it only lasts for about 5 minutes. Also, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to allow for some analgesic effect in the beginning of each session.
Will There Be Pain After The Treatment?
Most patients will experience immediate relief of pain following the treatment. However, within 2-4 hours they may experience soreness in the area. The soreness has been reported as being very tolerable and may last a few hours to several days. If you should experience this soreness, DO NOT use ice on the area. Since one of the desired effects of Shockwave treatments is an “inflammatory response”; use of anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprophen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc.) is not recommended. Most patients have reported very good results with Tylenol. The soreness is typically gone within 4-24 hours without any form of intervention.
Is Physical Activity Allowed After Treatment?
It is recommended that you refrain from physical activity, especially the ones that would involve the treated region for 48 hours following each treatment.
Is There Precautions To Shock Wave Therapy?
YES. General contraindications and/or precautions include:
- Heart or circulatory problems
- Pregnancy
- Cancer in or around the treatment area
- Diabetes
- Blood thinning medications such as Coumadin or Heparin
- Nerve or blood supply being too close to the site of treatment
- Cortisone injections within one month prior to the start of Shock wave treatment
If you have any questions regarding more details of treatments, side effects or payment options for the PiezoWave Therapy, Please Contact Us for more information.
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