Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
To Treat Back Pain and Joint Pain
Originally developed to treat kidney stones and gallstones, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been used for more than two decades to treat an increasing number of musculoskeletal conditions, such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and bony non-unions.
ESWT is a noninvasive procedure in which a series of high- or low-energy shockwaves are directed at the site of injury and is commonly used in patients who have not responded to more conservative treatment modalities and those who are trying to recover from surgery or avoid a more invasive surgery. ESWT is thought to work by inducing cell signaling and promoting tissue regeneration and neovascularization, pain relief via hyperstimulation analgesia, and in the case of tendinopathies, disintegrating calcified deposits.
ESWT for soft tissue injuries is applied with the goal of promoting healing. ESWT may have multiple effects thought to impact healing including breaking calcium deposits and causing an inflammatory response that may stimulate tissue healing.
The Storz Device used for ESWT at M3 Clinic is a Class I Medical Device with low risks. It is a handheld device used at the exam table. There is no need for sedation or anesthetic. There is no significant discomfort. It is non-invasive. The radial shockwaves (or radial acoustic waves) diverge as soon as they are discharged – the energy of radial acoustic waves diminish upon skin penetration and result in low energy diffuse waves directed to the target site. ESWT is quick, painless, effective and can keep you active and with less pain whether working or playing.
ESWT is non-invasive and low risk.
ESWT is non-invasive and low risk. The most common risks, if any, include swelling, reddening of the skin, or soreness. Less common risks are hematoma (bruising), and petechiae (minor broken blood vessels). Advise your clinician if you are using any blood thinners before considering ESWT.
In summary, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment based on acoustic wave technology. M3 Clinic offers ESWT for back pain and a variety of joint pains and musculoskeletal conditions including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injury, lateral epicondylitis, achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other conditions. ESWT devices are FDA-approval for lateral epicondylitis and plantar fasciitis but have proven to be very effective in these other conditions and many more.