How Great is Shockwave Therapy for Orthopedic Conditions?
Continuous research regularly provides significant data demonstrating the therapeutic advancements for orthopedic indications treated with various modalities. ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) has successfully improved patient outcomes and overall quality of care for patients suffering from these conditions.
This article will explore the science behind this non-invasive treatment, its promising therapeutic effects, and why it could be a viable option for those seeking relief from various musculoskeletal issues.
Is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Suitable for Orthopedic Conditions?
ESWT is a promising treatment option in orthopedics. This technology uses powerful acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing capabilities, alleviating many musculoskeletal conditions. ESWT has demonstrated its potential to relieve pain and promote tissue repair from chronic tendinopathies to bone-related disorders.
Promising Therapeutic Effects
One of the critical advantages of ESWT is its ability to address the underlying causes of orthopedic issues rather than merely masking the symptoms. Shockwaves can activate the body’s inherent healing mechanisms, resulting in lasting improvements in the affected area. Review a summary of the therapeutic effects of shockwave therapy for orthopedic conditions:
Analgesic Effect
Shockwave therapy has been shown to have a potent analgesic (pain-relieving) effect, making it a valuable tool in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Biological effects related to a decrease in pain include the modulation of pain receptors and the release of endogenous opioids, which can help ease discomfort and improve overall quality of life for patients.
Tissue Repair Effect
ESWT can stimulate the body’s healing processes and promote tissue regeneration. The shockwaves trigger the production and repair of critical structural proteins like collagen and encourage better blood circulation, which, in turn, facilitate the repair and remodeling of anatomical structures responsible for optimal musculoskeletal system function, such as tendons and ligaments.
Osteogenic Effect
Shockwave therapy has demonstrated its potential to enhance healing and regeneration in bone-related disorders, such as delayed union or non-union fractures.
The mechanical stimulation the shockwaves provide can activate osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, leading to improved bone density and accelerated fracture repair.
Comparable Results With Other Known Treatments
Shockwave therapy has shown promising results comparable to or even better than other treatments.
Research has demonstrated that ESWT can be a valuable alternative to surgery, the current widely accepted standard of care for treating fracture non-unions. With no significant statistical difference between the two modalities, ESWT holds excellent promise as an alternative. It can be the first treatment option for non-union fractures because it is less invasive, more cost-effective, and very fast-acting.
Similarly, ESWT showed comparable therapeutic outcomes to custom foot orthotics (CFO), an established treatment option for plantar fasciitis. Being on par with the CFO regarding patient recovery, ESWT can be recommended as an alternative treatment option for plantar fasciitis, with neither being superior.
Non-Invasive and Targeted Method of Application
ESWT is performed via a handheld applicator placed in specific areas near or at the affected area, delivering acoustic waves directly, which allows for a targeted and precise treatment approach for the patient’s condition.
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure with no significant complications. In contrast, surgical procedures are invasive and aggressive, involving anesthesia. Research recommends against the administration of anesthesia before shockwave therapy, as the therapeutic effects may be weakened or blocked by anesthesia use. Although the exact mechanism is still unknown, it’s believed that anesthesia affects the peripheral nervous system, which involves the healing abilities of ESWT.
This minimally invasive nature of ESWT results in a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to their daily activities immediately. The treatment is performed in an outpatient environment, which makes it less costly than more invasive methods and an attractive choice for many patients.
Well-Tolerated and Safe
Studies show that ESWT brings minimal to no complications to patients who underwent the procedure and is generally well-tolerated.
These may include temporary discomfort or redness at the treatment site, but these symptoms typically resolve quickly.
The safety profile of ESWT is a significant advantage, as it allows for a more comfortable and accessible treatment experience for individuals seeking relief from their orthopedic conditions.
Why PulseWave by RegenOMedix™ is a Great Machine for Shockwave Therapy
When selecting the right shockwave therapy device, the PulseWave by RegenOMedix™ is an exceptional choice. This state-of-the-art product line is designed to deliver precise and targeted shockwaves, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes at significantly lower costs for the medical professional.
With its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, the PulseWave by RegenOMedix™ provides a seamless and efficient treatment experience, making it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals.
State-of-the-Art Equipment by RegenOMedix™
In conclusion, the evidence surrounding the use of shockwave therapy for orthopedic conditions is compelling. ESWT has demonstrated the potential to provide a non-invasive and targeted solution for musculoskeletal issues, from analgesic effects to tissue repair and osteogenic properties.
At RegenOMedix™, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality products and devices that can significantly enhance the treatment options available to healthcare professionals and ultimately improve the quality of life for their patients. Our products and devices are backed with real-life case studies and testimonials from satisfied clients who have experienced the benefits of our offerings to their healthcare practice.
Contact us today to explore how we can work together and integrate innovative technologies into your treatment protocols.
References
Çağlar Okur S, Aydın A. Comparison of extracorporeal shock wave therapy with custom foot orthotics in plantar fasciitis treatment: A prospective randomized one-year follow-up study. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2019 Jun 1;19(2):178-186. PMID: 31186388; PMCID: PMC6587088.
De la Corte-Rodríguez H, Román-Belmonte JM, Rodríguez-Damiani BA, Vázquez-Sasot A, Rodríguez-Merchán EC. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Oct 26;11(21):2830. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11212830. PMID: 37957975; PMCID: PMC10648068.
Schaden, W., Mittermayr, R., Haffner, N., Smolen, D., Gerdesmeyer, L., & Wang, C. (2015). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) – First choice treatment of fracture non-unions? International Journal of Surgery, 24, 179–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.10.003
Schmitz, C., Császár, N. B. M., Milz, S., Schieker, M., Maffulli, N., Rompe, J., & Furia, J. P. (2015). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: a systematic review on studies listed in the PEDro database. British Medical Bulletin, ldv047. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldv047
