Shockwave Therapy
Dr. Binh Nguyen of Cedar Chiropractic & Sports in Hopkinton, MA, offers his patients innovative extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Unlike traditional surgery, ESWT is an alternative outpatient treatment that is painless and non-invasive.
Shockwave ESWT / EPAT was originally developed in the 1970s as a method for treating kidney stones. Known as lithotripsy, the method involved the use of acoustic shockwaves to break up the calcified stones, thus avoiding the need for painful and invasive surgery. However, clinicians soon discovered that patients were also experiencing the improvement or eradication of other non-related medical conditions. This then led to the discovery that shockwaves have a healing ability on musculoskeletal pain and chronic conditions.
After this discovery various devices were developed to treat a range of tissue injuries on different parts of the body. Radial shockwave therapy is now used widely to treat all types of indications from tendinopathy in humans and horses; from diabetic foot ulcers to erectile dysfunction, and even cellulite.
Who is a candidate for ESWT?
Those suffering from musculoskeletal conditions may benefit from extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
This innovative treatment is non-invasive and uses shock wave technology to break up scar tissue and stimulate the production of new collagen, resulting in faster healing times and more muscular tissues.
Depending on the nature of the injury, a patient may need several sessions to achieve the full effect of the treatment.
Unfortunately, ESWT is not suitable for everyone.
For example, somebody with open sores or blood-clotting disorders should not receive the treatment.
Also, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease.
During your Cedar Chiropractic & Sports appointment for shockwave therapy in Hopkinton, MA, it will be determined whether or not ESWT is suitable for you.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwaves are short and intense energy waves that travel faster than the speed of sound. Shockwave therapy works by passing shockwaves into the affected tissues; this causes micro trauma, increases blood flow, and stimulates an acute inflammatory response, aiding and stimulating the healing process.
There are two different ways in which ESWT can be administered: radial and focused. Radial shockwave therapy is delivered via a radial wave that spreads inside the injured tissue, while focused shockwave therapy affects individual cells at a deeper penetration depth.
What are the benefits of ESWT?
Using ESWT can help relieve pain. It is effective for several conditions, including painful bone and joint disorders, tendons, and other soft tissues.
Compared to other surgical procedures, it is relatively safe and cost-effective. It can also help eliminate chronic pain, which is often difficult to live with.
Shockwave is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatments to improve results.
For example, if a patient needs a steroid injection, they can use an ESWT machine to administer a high-energy shockwave to break up the steroid.
Is ESWT Right for Me?
ESTW is a relatively new method for treating musculoskeletal injuries. It is safe, cost-effective, and non-invasive.
Although ESTW is not a treatment for every patient, it has become a preferred method for relieving pain and improving healing. Most patients report a significant improvement in their condition after only a few treatments.
Conditions well-suited for ESWT include tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and chronic tendonitis.
Contact Cedar Chiropractic & Sports at (508) 435-8182 to set up your appointment with Dr. Nguyen for shockwave therapy in Hopkinton, MA.
ESWT / EPAT Shockwave equipment from Cedar Chiropractic & Sports PC
Cedar Chiropractic & Sports have partnered with Storz Medical AG, and we’re proud to be able to supply the most innovative and progressive shockwave MP100 equipment FDA approved available on the market.
In Summary ESWT or EPAT
- Non-Surgical treatment, non-invasive
- Uses Compress air which generate pressure waves that penetrate deeper into the tissue than what our hands can do
- ESWT or EPAT blasts scar tissues which promotes new blood vessels enhancing collagen growth. This promotes tissue repairs and accelerates rapid healing
- Analgesic effects without any side effects
- There is no lost time in exercise
- Currently insurance does not cover for ESWT or EPAT Shockwave Therap
