Shockwave Therapy Protocol for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Shockwave therapy, initially developed for breaking down kidney stones (lithotripsy), has evolved into a versatile modality for a range of indications, including musculoskeletal concerns and sexual wellness. Its applications span chronic tendinopathies and plantar fasciitis to calcific shoulder tendinopathy and myofascial pain syndromes.

The non-invasive nature of shockwave therapy, coupled with its ability to stimulate natural healing processes, positions it as a preferable alternative to surgical interventions in many cases. This article will provide an overview of the recommended treatment protocol for shockwave therapy, including indications, contraindications, and potential side effects.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes acoustic waves to target and treat various musculoskeletal conditions.

While shockwave technology was first used for lithotripsy, a procedure to fragment kidney stones using focused shockwaves, its application further expanded into other indications, including musculoskeletal issues.

Indications

While shockwave therapy applications are broad, this section will primarily focus on its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal conditions and other areas.

Musculoskeletal Indications

Shockwave therapy has gained prominence in the management of numerous musculoskeletal disorders due to its ability to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve function.

The following are vital musculoskeletal conditions for which shockwave therapy is indicated:

Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. Shockwave therapy reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration to alleviate pain.
Achilles Tendinopathy: Degeneration of the Achilles tendon, often seen in athletes and those engaged in repetitive activities. The therapy stimulates tendon repair, relieves pain, and restores mobility.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): Inflammation of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle, causing pain on the outer elbow. Shockwave therapy reduces inflammation and promotes tendon healing.
Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy: Pain and restricted movement caused by calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons. The therapy breaks down deposits and supports tendon repair for improved function.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): Inflammation of the patellar tendon, often associated with jumping sports. Shockwave therapy relieves pain and promotes tendon healing, improving knee stability.
Chronic Non-Union Fractures: Failure of fractured bones to heal correctly. Shockwave therapy stimulates bone regeneration, accelerating the healing process and offering a non-surgical option.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic muscle pain due to trigger points, resulting in localized pain and stiffness. The modality reduces muscle tension and alleviates pain by targeting these trigger points.

Other Indications

In addition to its musculoskeletal applications, shockwave therapy is also employed in various other medical fields:

Body Contouring: Used to reduce localized fat deposits and improve skin elasticity, contributing to body reshaping efforts.
Sexual Wellness: Applied in the treatment of erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow and tissue health in the penile area.
Urologic Conditions: Utilized to treat conditions such as kidney stones and enhance urinary function.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy applies acoustic waves that transmit high energy to targeted painful spots and musculoskeletal tissues. These shockwaves interact with the body’s tissues to initiate biological responses that promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.

The therapeutic effects of shockwave therapy can be understood through its underlying mechanisms of action:

Neovascularization: Shockwave therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in the affected area, enhancing blood flow and nutrient delivery. This improved vascularization supports tissue regeneration and accelerates the healing process.
Stimulation of Cellular Activity: The acoustic waves encourage the proliferation of fibroblasts—cells critical for collagen synthesis—and promote the production of new collagen fibers. This cellular activity aids in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues, strengthening tendons and ligaments.
Pain Modulation: Shockwave therapy alters pain perception by affecting the nerve endings and pathways involved in pain transmission. It can lead to the release of endogenous opioids, natural pain-relieving substances in the body, thereby reducing the sensation of pain.
Calcific Deposition Breakdown: In conditions like calcific tendinopathy, shockwave therapy facilitates the fragmentation and resorption of calcium deposits within the tendons. The mechanical forces generated by shockwaves break down these deposits, allowing the body to eliminate the calcium fragments naturally.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Shockwave therapy reduces the levels of inflammatory mediators in the treated area, alleviating pain and swelling. Decreasing inflammation creates a more favorable environment for tissue healing and recovery.

Patient Selection Criteria

Effective patient selection is crucial for optimizing the outcomes of shockwave therapy. Correctly identifying candidates most likely to benefit from the treatment while minimizing potential risks ensures both efficacy and safety. Healthcare providers should consider the following inclusion and exclusion criteria when determining the suitability of shockwave therapy for individual patients.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients are considered appropriate candidates for shockwave therapy if they meet the following conditions:

Age Range: Adults between 18 and 70 years old. Younger patients may require additional evaluation based on skeletal maturity and specific conditions.
Chronic Condition Duration: Musculoskeletal disorders persist for at least three to six months, indicating a chronic state that may benefit from shockwave-induced tissue remodeling.
Failed Conservative Treatments: Individuals who have not achieved sufficient relief from non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections.
Localized Pathology: Conditions with well-defined anatomical targets, such as specific tendinopathies (e.g., plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis) or calcific shoulder tendinopathy.
Localized Pain: Clear and consistent pain localized to a specific area without widespread distribution, facilitating targeted shockwave application.
Good General Health: Patients should be in overall good health without systemic conditions that could impede healing or increase treatment risks.

Exclusion Criteria – Contraindications

Shockwave therapy is contraindicated in the following scenarios to ensure patient safety:

Acute Infections or Inflammatory Conditions: Active infections at the treatment site or systemic inflammatory diseases.
Coagulation Disorders: Patients with bleeding tendencies or those on anticoagulant therapy due to the increased risk of hematoma formation.
Pregnancy: Lack of sufficient data on the safety of shockwave therapy during pregnancy necessitates avoidance.
Malignancies: Cancerous lesions near the treatment area to prevent potential tumor stimulation or spread.
Neuropathies: Conditions involving nerve entrapment or significant neuropathic symptoms near the treatment site, increasing the risk of nerve damage.
Implanted Electronic Devices: Devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators that may be adversely affected by shockwave energy.
Bone Health Issues: Severe osteoporosis or other bone density disorders that may heighten the risk of fractures or other complications.
Skin Conditions: Active skin infections, ulcers, or severe dermatitis at the treatment site that could be exacerbated by shockwave application.
Previous Adverse Reactions: History of adverse responses to shockwave therapy, indicating potential sensitivity or intolerance to the treatment.

Additional Considerations

While the above criteria provide a foundational framework for patient selection, healthcare providers should also consider the following factors to refine candidate suitability:

Severity and Extent of Condition: Patients with mild to moderate severity and localized lesions are more likely to respond favorably.
Biological Factors: Good vascular supply and healthy tissue environment enhance the effectiveness of shockwave therapy.
Patient Characteristics: Younger, more active individuals may experience more robust healing responses than older or less active patients.

Recommended Treatment Protocol

The recommended shockwave therapy treatment protocol carefully considers patient eligibility, condition severity, and individualized treatment parameters to maximize therapeutic outcomes. However, it’s important to note that these guidelines are recommendations, and no established standard protocol exists for this therapy.

Preparation

Before beginning treatment, it is crucial to ensure that all preparations are meticulously addressed to optimize the safety and efficiency of shockwave therapy.

Informed Consent: Discuss potential benefits, risks, and alternative treatments with the patient.
Skin Preparation: Cleanse the treatment area and apply a coupling medium (e.g., ultrasound gel) to facilitate wave transmission.
Positioning: Ensure the patient is comfortably positioned to allow easy access to the treatment site.

Treatment Parameters

Executing shockwave therapy with precision and care is essential to achieving optimal clinical results while minimizing potential risks.

Frequency: Typically between 1 to 15 Hz, adjusted based on the specific condition and patient tolerance.
Energy Flux Density (EFD): Ranges from 0.03 to 0.28 mJ/mm². Lower energies are used for RSWT, while higher energies are applicable for FSWT.
Number of Pulses: Generally, between 1000 and 3000 pulses per session are used, tailored to the treatment area’s size and severity.
Sessions: Typically, 5 to 8 sessions are spaced twice weekly, though protocols may vary depending on the condition and response.

Procedural Steps

Here are the general procedural steps to follow for shockwave therapy:

Application: Using the appropriate shockwave device (FSWT or RSWT), apply the waves systematically over the affected area.
Technique: Move the applicator in a circular or linear motion to cover the entire treatment site evenly.
Pain Management: Mild discomfort is expected. For sensitive areas, topical anesthetics or local anesthesia may be considered.
Monitoring: Continuously assess patient comfort and adjust parameters as necessary to maintain tolerability.

Post-Treatment Care

Post-treatment care plays a crucial role in maximizing the benefits and effectiveness of shockwave therapy.

Activity Modification: Advise patients to avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours post-treatment.
Ice Application: We recommend not applying ice post-treatment; we want the inflammatory signaling so the body will heal.
Hydration: Encourage adequate fluid intake to facilitate the removal of cellular debris and promote healing.
Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and determine the need for additional sessions.

Adverse Effects

While generally safe, shockwave therapy may be associated with some side effects:

Transient Pain: Mild to moderate discomfort during or after the procedure.
Redness and Swelling: Temporary erythema and edema at the treatment site.
Bruising: Minor hematoma formation due to mechanical stress.
Numbness or Tingling: Especially when nerves are near the treatment area.
Rare Complications: Skin burns or tissue damage if inappropriate settings are used.

Transforming Patient Experiences with RegenOMedix™

Shockwave therapy is a powerful, non-invasive tool in the management of various musculoskeletal disorders. It enables healthcare professionals to address chronic pain and tissue degeneration with minimal risk and downtime. By adhering to recommended structured treatment protocols and integrating complementary therapies, practitioners can enhance patient outcomes and deliver superior functional recovery.

Furthermore, shockwave therapy is valuable to any musculoskeletal practice due to its versatility, ease of use, and high patient satisfaction rates, helping clinics stay competitive while providing cutting-edge care that promotes natural healing and reduces the need for surgical interventions.

Ready to improve your healthcare practice? Incorporate shockwave therapy into your treatment offerings and unlock new possibilities in musculoskeletal care. By embracing this innovative therapy, you can optimize your treatment strategies and significantly benefit your patients’ quality of life.

Contact us at RegenOMedix™ to explore how integrating PulseWave™ therapy can optimize your treatment strategies and benefit your patients.

References

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Lv F, Li Z, Jing Y, Sun L, Li Z, Duan H. The effects and underlying mechanism of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on fracture healing. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 May 24;14:1188297.

de Menezes AB, Back CGN, Driusso P, Liebano RE. How to report parameters and procedures for shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal disorders: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Aug 12;101(32):e29664.

Tenforde AS, Borgstrom HE, DeLuca S, McCormack M, Singh M, Hoo JS, Yun PH. Best practices for extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal medicine: Clinical application and training consideration. PM R. 2022 May;14(5):611-619.

Haake M, Böddeker IR, Decker T, Buch M, Vogel M, Labek G, Maier M, Loew M, Maier-Boerries O, Fischer J, Betthäuser A, Rehack HC, Kanovsky W, Müller I, Gerdesmeyer L, Rompe JD. Side-effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of tennis elbow. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2002 May;122(4):222-8.