Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a modern and highly effective treatment method: high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas of the body. With this innovative treatment, pathological alterations of tendons, ligaments, capsules, muscles and bones can be eliminated systematically. This technology is especially useful for treating plantar fasciitis.
The beneficial effects of shock wave therapy are often experienced after only 1 or 2 sessions. The therapy eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life.
For some time now we have been treating our patients with one of the most innovative shock wave therapy systems – with great success.
The ABC of shock waves
Shock waves are audible high-energy sound waves. They occur in the atmosphere, for example during lightning strikes, or when airplanes break through the sound barrier. In the medical world, shock waves have been employed since around 1980 to disintegrate kidney stones, for instance. In modern pain therapy, shock wave energy is conducted from the place of its generation– the shock wave generator – to the painful body regions, where it unfolds its healing capacities.
How do shock waves work?
Shock waves accelerate the healing process by activating the body’s self-healing powers. They stimulate the metabolism and enhance the blood circulation. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.
Learn more about the science behind shock wave (eswt) therapy.
Indications
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Which disorders can be treated?
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Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
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Achilles tendonitis
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Non-unions of bone
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Shin pain / tibial stress syndrome
Therapy details
How successful is the therapy?
After only 2 or 3 sessions, over 80 % of patients report painlessness or significant pain reduction.
How is the therapy performed?
The doctor localizes the pain region by palpation or shock wave localization and discusses the findings with you. A skin gel is then applied to the treatment area to allow the shock waves to be introduced into the body almost painlessly and without any loss of energy. After these preparations, shock waves are released as the shock wave applicator is moved over the pain region in a circular motion.
Duration and frequency of the therapy
The therapy session takes between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. In general, an average of 2 to 3 therapy sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is offered on a fee for service basis and is not covered by insurance.
Understanding body signals – Self-testing questionnaire
If you answer Yes to one of these questions below, you should talk to us!
- Chronic pain seriously affects our private and working life as well as our physical fitness.
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Do you experience pain or stiffness in your feet when you wake up?
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Do you have problems performing athletics because your feet hurt?
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Does your Achilles tendon swell or throb after prolonged activities?
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Do your feet ache or burn after long periods of standing?
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Do you suffer from severe muscle tension in your calves?
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Do you experience pain in the Achilles tendon, hell or knee when having to walk or climbing stairs?