Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive technique with clinically proven efficacy derived from lithotripsy. As Dr. Dujo, expert in traumatology and president of the Spanish Society of extracorporeal shock waves, explains, this therapy can be applied in different pathologies and its success is very remarkable.
In Spain it has been used for more than 15 years with very successful results. This type of treatment, according to experts in traumatology, does not usually have contraindications, since it is not used in patients undergoing treatment with Syntron, nor is it applied in tumor areas, pregnancies or patients with pacemakers.
What does shock wave treatment consist of?
Shock waves are acoustic waves that produce a biological phenomenon through mechano-duction, which stimulates biologically active growth factors. There are two main groups of machines:
– Radial, mechanical or flat ones, are the ones usually applied by physiotherapists.
– The focal ones, which include electromagnetic, electrohydraulic and piezoelectric; this type of wave can be applied in an echodirected way, and are the ones applied by physicians.
In what pathologies is shock wave treatment used?
– Muscle injuries or Martorell’s syndrome.
– Pyramidal syndrome
– Trigger points
– Fibrosis
– Osteomas
– Tendon injuries
– Tendinitis, tendinosis and in bursitis
– Spring finger
– D’Quervaine’s and Dupuytren’s I and II degrees
– Enthesopathies or insertion pathologies
– Aquilodinea, plantar fasciitis
– Ganglion
– Articular lesions
– Osteochondritis
– Pathology of the TMJ
– Bone lesions
– Bone contusion
– Fissures
– Incomplete fractures
– Stabilized fractures that do not heal
– Delayed healing
– Atrophic and hypertrophic pseudoatrosis
– Osteonecrosis
– Osteopenia after immobilization
– Painful pathology
– Myofascial syndrome
– Morton’s neuroma
– Plexopathies
– Muscular contractures in the spine
– Skin lesions
– Coverage defects: Wounds, ulcers and burns
– Hyperpigmentation
– Keloids
– Erectile dysfunction
– Vascular etiology
– Body remodeling
– Steatopygia
– Abdominal fat accumulation
– Stretch marks or wrinkles
When is the application of shockwave treatment recommended?
Its use is recommended in the early stages of pathologies, but it is also successful when used in the chronic stages. With this technique, complications are avoided, the processes are cheaper, which means an emotional, physical and economic benefit, as well as a shortening of the hospital stay. The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and is not painful, since the shock waves are analgesic and the intensity must be increased according to the patient’s tolerance.
In this way, a very wide pathology is effectively covered, obtaining mostly favorable results.