Shock Wave Therapy

Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) has emerged as a non-invasive treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions, offering patients relief from pain and improved healing without the need for surgery. This therapy uses high-energy shock waves to stimulate healing and improve blood flow to damaged areas.

Doctor applying shockwave probe to patient’s left shoulder — SWT has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and chronic tendinopathy.

What Is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to deliver energy to damaged tissue. The energy from these shock waves promotes regeneration and repair, making it an effective treatment for conditions that involve chronic pain or poor healing. Shock Wave Therapy can be categorised into two types: Focused Shock Wave Therapy (FSWT) and Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT). Both types work by sending shock waves into targeted areas of the body, but they differ in terms of intensity and depth of penetration.

What Is The Purpose of Shock Wave Therapy?

The primary purpose of Shock Wave Therapy is to reduce pain and promote healing in damaged tissues. It is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal disorders that involve tendons, ligaments, and joints. SWT is effective for conditions like:

Plantar Fasciitis: Pain and inflammation in the tissue connecting the heel to the toes.
Tennis Elbow: Chronic pain and inflammation in the elbow due to repetitive use.
Calcific Tendonitis: Calcium deposits in the tendons, causing pain and stiffness.
Chronic Tendinopathies: Degeneration of tendons due to chronic overuse, often seen in athletes.

Middle-aged Asian man holding left shoulder in pain — Pain can greatly affect one’s quality of life and ability to participate in activities, making shockwave therapy an effective treatment modality.

Shock Wave Therapy can also be used to treat delayed healing of fractures and certain soft tissue injuries. By stimulating increased blood flow, cell regeneration, and the breakdown of calcified tissue, SWT helps patients recover faster without the need for surgical intervention.

What are the types of Shock Wave Therapy?

There are two primary types of Shock Wave Therapy:

Focused Shock Wave Therapy (FSWT): This type delivers high-energy waves at a targeted, deep tissue level. It is often used for treating more chronic or severe musculoskeletal issues, as it penetrates deeper into the tissue to promote healing. FSWT is effective for more complex or stubborn cases of tendonitis, bone healing, or calcifications.
Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT): This version of SWT uses lower-energy waves that are spread over a broader area. It is typically used for conditions closer to the surface of the skin, such as muscle pain or less severe tendinopathies. RSWT may be preferred for treating soft tissue injuries and is often considered less painful than FSWT.

What are the benefits or risks of Shock Wave Therapy?

Benefits:

Non-invasive: SWT does not require surgery or anaesthesia, making it a safer alternative for patients who wish to avoid more invasive treatments.
Effective pain relief: SWT has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic conditions, often after just a few sessions.
Accelerated healing: By promoting blood flow and tissue regeneration, SWT speeds up the body’s natural healing process.
Minimal downtime: Patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after treatment, making it an attractive option for athletes and active individuals.

Risks:

Mild discomfort: Some patients experience mild pain or discomfort during and after the procedure, though this usually subsides within a few days.
Temporary swelling or bruising: There may be minor swelling or bruising in the treated area, but these effects are temporary.
Ineffectiveness in some cases: While SWT is highly effective for many patients, it may not work for everyone, and some conditions may require additional treatments or alternative therapies.

How does Shock Wave Therapy Work? What do I need to prepare?

Shock Wave Therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the targeted area. These waves create microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. This process increases blood flow, stimulates cell regeneration, and promotes the breakdown of calcified deposits. Over time, this results in reduced pain and improved mobility in the affected area.

Preparation for SWT is straightforward. Patients are typically advised to avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before treatment, as these can interfere with the body’s healing response. You should wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.

What should I expect during and after Shock Wave Therapy?

During the procedure, a gel is applied to the affected area, and a handheld device is used to deliver shock waves to the tissue. The treatment itself lasts about 15-30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

Shockwave therapy applied to person’s left calf — Most patients experience some mild discomfort during the procedure, but this is generally well tolerated.

After the treatment, you may experience some soreness or swelling, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. It’s important to avoid high-impact activities or strenuous exercise for 48 hours following the procedure to allow the treated tissue time to heal.

Most patients see significant improvement after 3-5 sessions, spaced about a week apart. However, the number of sessions required can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to treatment.If you're suffering from chronic pain or a musculoskeletal condition, consider Shock Wave Therapy. Schedule a consultation with Dr Charles Siow to find out if this treatment is right for you.