Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment method in physiotherapy in which high-energy sound waves are directed specifically at affected body regions.
Shockwaves are short, intense sound pulses that can penetrate water and soft tissue. When they meet solid structures such as calcium deposits or bone tissue, they release their energy and produce various therapeutic effects:
- Stimulation of regeneration processes and improved circulation
- Pain relief through blocking of pain receptors
- Breakdown of calcifications and deposits
- Promotion of bone healing in poorly healing fractures (pseudarthroses)
In physiotherapy, shockwave therapy is used for various orthopaedic conditions, including:
- Calcific shoulder (tendinitis calcarea) and shoulder impingement syndrome
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Heel spur and Achilles tendon complaints (achillodynia)
- Bursitis and tendon inflammation
Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 10-15 minutes per session. A transducer head is placed on the affected body region, delivering the shockwaves into the tissue. Depending on the indication, 3-5 treatments at intervals of 7-10 days are usually required.
Although shockwave therapy is considered to have few side effects, temporary redness, swelling or increased pain in the treated area can occur. The procedure is contraindicated in cases of tumours, inflammation, blood clotting disorders and during pregnancy.
Overall, shockwave therapy is an effective, gentle and often cost-efficient alternative to surgical procedures. By stimulating the body's own regeneration processes, it can ease pain and improve the function of the musculoskeletal system.