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MOBILIZE 物理治療中心

Physiotherapy Treatment

Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive physical treatment method. It uses high-energy electromagnetic waves emitted from a device outside the body, penetrating the skin to reach deep tissue. This therapy effectively stimulates the junctions between tendons and bones, promoting the growth of new blood vessels and improving blood circulation. By releasing growth factors, it enhances cell regeneration, facilitating tissue repair and regeneration.

Principle of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy works by generating energy waves that penetrate the skin's surface to target injured tendons directly. This process creates micro-bubbles that disrupt adhesions, scar tissue, and even calcified or fibrotic soft tissues, promoting relaxation at the injury site. This stimulation encourages soft tissue regeneration, accelerates blood circulation, and aids in recovery. Additionally, the high-energy shockwaves can stimulate pain receptors, blocking pain transmission for immediate pain relief.

Common Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is widely used for sports injuries and other types of chronic trauma to accelerate recovery and reduce discomfort. Physiotherapist utilize shockwave devices to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, lumbar strain, back pain, neck pain, tendonitis, and chronic pain in joints and soft tissues.

Shockwave Therapy FAQ

Focused shockwave therapy is distinguished by its ability to adjust the depth of shockwave focusing, allowing therapists to precisely target the affected area and treat soft tissues at various depths of injury. Focused shockwave therapy can be adjusted to a depth of up to 60mm, effectively reaching deep muscle tendons and accurately focusing on injured soft tissues. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for treating pain caused by deep muscle and tendon issues. Many chronic tendonitis conditions require prolonged recovery periods, but focused shockwave therapy can help shorten the rehabilitation process, making it ideal for addressing various tendon strains and long-term sports injuries.

Additionally, focused shockwave therapy typically delivers high-energy output, making it also suitable for improving severe conditions such as non-union fractures and avascular necrosis.

On the other hand, radial shockwave therapy lacks the focusing characteristic of focused shockwave therapy and cannot adjust treatment depth. Radial shockwave therapy produces lower energy levels and is generally used for treating more superficial tendon injuries and trauma.

Shockwave Therapy typically causes minimal discomfort or mild tingling sensations during treatment, which are generally well-tolerated and brief.

Improper use of shockwave therapy can potentially harm soft tissues. Therefore, shockwave therapy should be administered by trained Physiotherapists who can assess the underlying causes of different conditions and tailor treatments according to the patient’s individual circumstances.

Shockwave therapy is generally safe with few side effects. However, in some cases, temporary swelling, redness, or skin sensitivity may occur. These side effects are typically temporary and resolve on their own.

People with infections, tumors near the affected area, open wounds, pregnant women, patients with pacemakers, or those with bleeding disorders are not suitable candidates for Shockwave Therapy.

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us.