Is extracorporeal shock wave therapy painful?

Is extracorporeal shock wave therapy painful?

Is shockwave therapy painful? Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment, but you might feel a little pain or discomfort in the treatment area during the procedure. Most patients say it feels like small pulses against the skin.

What is meant by extracorporeal shock wave?

Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave: A technique for shattering a kidney stone or gallstone with a shock wave that is produced outside the body. Anesthesia may be necessary to control the pain, depending on the size and density of the stone and on the energy of the shock wave needed to break it up.

Is extracorporeal shock wave therapy safe?

Background. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an effective and safe non-invasive treatment option for tendon and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

What are the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy?

Conclusions: ESWT showed long-term effects in relieving spasticity, while reducing pain, enhancing ROM and motor function in stroke patients.

How long should you rest after shockwave therapy?

When can I return to activity? Even if you have no pain after treatment it is strongly recommended that you refrain from any activity that stresses the treated area for 48 hours after each treatment.

How do shock waves work?

Shock waves are formed when a pressure front moves at supersonic speeds and pushes on the surrounding air. Over longer distances, a shock wave can change from a nonlinear wave into a linear wave, degenerating into a conventional sound wave as it heats the air and loses energy.

When should you not use shockwave therapy?

If you have acute inflammation or infection in the treatment area shockwave therapy would not be an appropriate treatment. Shockwave works best with chronic tendinopathies that have been present for more than 3 months.

How long does it take for shock wave to work?

About 8 to 12 weeks after treatment, you can expect to experience the greatest degree of results, namely freedom from chronic pain that interferes with your mobility and your overall wellbeing in your daily life.

Why does shock wave occur?

Can you see shock waves?

Like sound waves, shock waves are as transparent as the air through which they travel. Usually they can only be seen clearly by special instruments under controlled conditions in the laboratory.

What can I expect after shock wave therapy?

After the treatment, you may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure, as the shockwaves stimulate an inflammatory response. But this is the body healing itself naturally.