Developing Practitioner Expertise in Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has rapidly gained recognition as an effective treatment modality in orthopedics, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation for addressing musculoskeletal conditions. Its application is predominantly used for conditions such as tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder tendinitis, and delayed bone healing.

Given its expanding clinical use, building practitioner expertise in ESWT is essential to creating excellent patient outcomes, ensuring safety, and maintaining the highest standards of care. This article provides a detailed guide to help healthcare professionals develop expertise when administering shockwave therapy.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves that transmit mechanical energy into tissues. These high-energy waves stimulate biological mechanisms at the cellular level, initiating processes such as:

Neovascularization: Promoting new blood vessel formation, improving blood supply, and enhancing tissue regeneration.
Collagen Production: Enhancing fibroblast activity to boost collagen synthesis is crucial for repairing damaged tissue.
Pain Modulation: Desensitizing nociceptors and promoting endogenous pain-inhibiting mechanisms by disrupting the transmission of pain signals.
Reduction of Calcifications: ESWT is thought to break down calcium deposits in the tendons, facilitating resorption, particularly in calcific tendinitis.

A thorough understanding of these physiological processes is critical for practitioners to effectively explain the treatment rationale to patients and tailor treatment regimens.

Key Clinical Indications for Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy has shown efficacy in many musculoskeletal conditions. Practitioners must be well-versed in identifying appropriate candidates for treatment. The primary indications include:

Plantar fasciitis: ESWT has shown excellent results in reducing heel pain and improving function, especially in chronic cases that have been unresponsive to conservative treatments.
Tendinopathies include patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. ESWT is often used for chronic inflammation and degeneration in various tendinopathies.
Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: ESWT breaks down calcium deposits and scar tissue, improving shoulder mobility and reducing pain.
Delayed union and non-union of fractures: ESWT stimulates osteogenesis and accelerates bone healing in delayed union cases.

ESWT is effective in treating myofascial trigger points, stress fractures, and even urological applications, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Practitioners should maintain a thorough understanding of these indications.

Contraindications and Safety Considerations

While shockwave therapy (ESWT) is generally considered safe, it is essential to be aware of its contraindications. Practitioners must screen patients carefully to avoid complications. The critical contraindications include:

Acute inflammation: Shockwave therapy may worsen acute inflammatory conditions.
Pregnancy: The safety of ESWT during pregnancy lacks sufficient evidence.
Coagulopathies: Individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing anticoagulant therapy may be prone to excessive bruising or bleeding.

Understanding these contraindications is vital to ensure patient safety and avoid adverse events. Patients with pacemakers or other implanted devices should be approached cautiously, with thorough evaluation and specialist consultation possibly required. Collaborating with the patient to develop tailored treatments will enhance safety and care.

Training and Certification

Practitioners administering shockwave therapy should undergo training to develop expertise. Certification programs should incorporate both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice.

The main areas of focus for training should be the following:

Device Familiarization

ESWT devices are divided into two main categories:

Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT): Characterized by dispersive energy patterns.
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT): Delivers concentrated energy.

Knowledgeable practitioners should select the appropriate device and parameters based on the treatment indication. System parameters such as the energy flux density, the pulse frequency, and the quantity of shockwaves delivered in each session can be modified.

Anatomical Knowledge

Precise knowledge of anatomy is critical for targeting the affected tissues effectively. Practitioners should be skilled in palpation techniques to localize tender points and landmarks for optimal treatment positioning, improving accuracy, reducing the likelihood of treating unintended structures, and enhancing clinical outcomes.

Treatment Protocols

The best regimens vary based on the issue being addressed. Practitioners should be familiar with evidence-based protocols for each clinical indication.

For example, plantar fasciitis protocols may require lower energy levels but more frequent treatments, whereas calcific tendinitis may demand higher energy levels and fewer sessions.

Practitioners should also be adept at modifying protocols based on patient response, adjusting pain management parameters, and optimizing each individual’s treatment course.

Patient Communication and Management

Developing practitioner success includes patient management and the technical aspects of shockwave therapy modality. Effective communication with patients regarding expectations, potential discomfort, and realistic outcomes is essential for fostering trust and improving adherence to the treatment regimen.

Explaining the Process: Practitioners should thoroughly explain the nature of ESWT, including the sensation patients may experience during treatment (often described as a “tapping” or “thudding” feeling). Some discomfort is common, particularly at higher energy levels, but it is typically short-lived.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Patients should be informed that ESWT is often part of a multimodal approach, and results are generally seen after several weeks of treatment. Additionally, it may take multiple sessions (usually 6-8) to achieve optimal outcomes.
Post-Treatment Care: Educating patients on post-treatment expectations, such as transient soreness or bruising, helps reduce anxiety and improves adherence. Some patients may need to modify their activities temporarily to facilitate healing.
Follow-up and Outcome Monitoring: Practitioners should establish clear follow-up protocols to assess patient progress and adjust treatment accordingly. Outcome measures may include pain scales (e.g., Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), functional scores (e.g., Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for plantar fasciitis), and imaging for more objective assessments in cases like calcific tendinitis.

Staying Updated with Research and Innovations

Shockwave therapy is a dynamic field with ongoing research into new applications and protocol optimization. Practitioners should engage in continuing education and stay current with emerging evidence. Regular participation in workshops, conferences, and advanced certification programs will help practitioners remain at the forefront of ESWT advancements.

Emerging Applications

New indications for ESWT, such as its potential role in treating chronic wounds, spasticity, and osteoarthritis, are in process. Practitioners should remain aware of these developments to expand the scope of their clinical practice.

Technological Advances

Innovations in ESWT devices, such as hybrid systems combining radial and focused waves or the integration of ultrasound for more precise targeting, require ongoing practitioner education to harness their full potential effectively.

Patient-Centered Care and Customization

As technology and research in shockwave therapy evolve, there is an increasing emphasis on patient-centered care, which requires practitioners to customize treatment plans based on individual needs. This approach considers factors such as patient preferences, medical history, pain tolerance, and response to therapy.

Enhancing Patient Care with RegenOMedix™

Developing practitioner expertise in shockwave therapy is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring safe, effective treatment. Practitioners must thoroughly understand the physiological mechanisms underlying ESWT, be proficient in selecting and applying the appropriate device, and remain informed about current research and emerging applications.

Training should include theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasizing clinical judgment, patient communication, and treatment customization. With the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of ESWT, well-trained practitioners will play a crucial role in enhancing patient care across various musculoskeletal and medical conditions.

For healthcare professionals treating musculoskeletal conditions, shockwave therapy (ESWT) offers an innovative, non-invasive treatment option that can enhance patient outcomes.

By integrating ESWT into your practice, you can provide personalized care plans supported by the latest advancements in technology and research. Please consult with us at RegenOMedix™ to learn how Pulsewave therapy can enhance your treatment protocols and benefit your patients.

References

Auersperg, V., Trieb, K. “Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: an update.” EFORT Open Rev 2020; 5: 584-592. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190067.

Majidi, L., Khateri, S., Nikbakht, N. et al. The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 16, 93 (2024).

Zdravkovic, A., Mickel, M. & Crevenna, R. Successful application of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis in patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 29, 4187–4190 (2021).

Leung R, Malliaropoulos N, Korakakis V, Padhiar N. What are patients’ knowledge, expectation and experience of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of their tendinopathies? A qualitative study. J Foot Ankle Res. 2018 Apr 5;11:11.

Ioppolo F, Rompe JD, Furia JP, Cacchio A. Clinical application of shock wave therapy (SWT) in musculoskeletal disorders. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2014;50(2):217–230.