Frequently Asked Questions about ShockWave

Frequently Asked Questions about ShockWave

Not all 'ShockWave' is the same!!

No, there is a very big difference between LOW ENERGY unfocused RSWT and the high quality HIGH ENERGY focused ESWT ShockWave that FysioQuesada uses.


 

  • In LOW ENERGY RSWT the energy is mainly released to the superficial layers and the tissue vibrates a little. The pressure usually does not exceed 1-10 Bar. (water pressure from the tap is approx. 2.5 bar!) The energy quickly fans out and quickly dies out in the tissue. [See orange picture on the right.]

 

  • with HIGH ENERGY ESWT however, firstly the energy is guided inwards with a kind of “lens” [focused] and the energy comes together at 1 point. That can go up to 12 cm deep! Secondly, a very short pulse time is used [300 nanoseconds, 1 nanosecond is 1/billionth of a second!]. Thirdly, a much higher pressure wave is generated [100-1000 Bar! A high-pressure jet is approx. 100 Bar!)

 

ESWT is therefore the most effective form of the two (see a great deal of medical literature for this). Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy (ESWT) is therefore rightly considered one of the most innovative and effective developments in recent treatments of the musculoskeletal system.

Have you encountered one of the complaints mentioned on this page, such as:

Shoulder with limited mobilityChronic elbow pain (tennis, golfer's elbow)Pain in the kneecap (Jumper's knee)Chronic pain in the Achilles tendon (achillodynia)Heel spur or plantar fasciitisChronic neck, shoulder or back painpain points in various placesOther forms of tendonitis and calcifications ... then ESWT ShockWave is for you..!

Proven effectiveness of ShockWave

Are you one of the countless patients with chronic pain? Have you tried various options to get rid of it? Injections, medication, physiotherapy, relaxation methods, etc. Did your pain always return after a short time, often even worse than before? Then Shockwave may be a good choice for you too. A no-obligation consultation and examination will reveal it.


Scientific studies show effectiveness

Chronic pain is often caused by inflammation and/or calcification of a muscle, tendon or bursa. Cramped muscles or muscle knots, so-called Myofascial Trigger Points, can also cause a lot of pain. Focused ShockWave can also provide a solution here.


How exactly does the ESWT treatment work?

First we locate (among other things with echo) the area to be treated. This is marked on the skin with a 'permanent marker'. After the source of the pain and the area of pain have been identified, this area is exposed to short shockwave impulses. These high-energy acoustic impulses improve the metabolism and blood circulation in the area of pain. In this way they stimulate the body's existing recovery mechanism. In other words, ShockWave has everything to do with the human body as a stimulus and is not "radiation".


Is ShockWave a form of ultrasound therapy?

No. ShockWave is a completely unique 'mechanical' stimulus. Ultrasound works with 1-3 million vibrations per second, ShockWave with only 8 pulses per second. It can best be described as a self-displacing vibration that nevertheless behaves like a sound vibration (longitudinal). Shockwave is also used in kidney stone crushers, but then with an even higher intensity and there too [of course] focused.


What are the benefits of ESWT ShockWave Therapy?

 

  • Treatment without drugs or surgery
  • Short-term treatment (up to 10 minutes per session)
  • Excellent treatment success, on average after only 3 to 7 treatments
  • Treating the causes instead of the symptoms
  • Pain relief and recovery of mobility after a few days
  • Few side effects; slight redness or swelling may occur immediately after treatment
  • Shockwave therapy can eliminate the need for an injection or even surgery.

 

Is ShockWave a painful therapy?

There are different types and types of ShockWave devices. Currently, some hospitals use lithotripters for this purpose. Treatment with this focused shockwave is very painful, despite the use of local anesthesia. The treatment result is achieved after 2-3 treatments. The Piezoson100Plus and the PiezoWave used in our practice are also focused, the stimulus is the same as that of the lithotripter, but slightly milder, but much more powerful than the unfocused RSWT. No anesthesia is used either. An advantage is that the area to be treated can be well located by working with the “beam”. The client feels a clear sensation, which can be maintained well without anesthesia. With RSWT, the area to be treated must be cooled afterwards with cold packs, with our ESWT this is not necessary, because all the energy is directed inwards. [The essence of this story…]


How long does a treatment take?

Approximately 2000 pulses are administered per session. This takes an average of 5-10 minutes. With an intake/examination/interview, preparation, treatment and follow-up discussion you will spend [the first time] approximately 45 minutes. The sessions take place twice in the first week and then there is an average treatment interval of 7 days.

Want to know how others have experienced shockwave therapy? Then read on the page Experiences ShockWave therapy.

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