Overview

Shockwaves are acoustic high pressure energy waves. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) controls the magnitude of these waves and utilise them to treat musculo–skeletal injuries. There therapeutic benefits include:

• Nerve fibre pain reduction
• Increase of blood flow around the treatment area
• Improving the healing process by triggering stem cell activation

Depending upon the application these shockwaves can be produced piezoelectrically, electromagnetically, pneumatically or electrohydraulicly. We use a pneumatic system to create a 120mj pressure wave which allows us to treat ailments between 1-3 cm below the surface.

How Safe is ESTW

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has proven to be safe, even the mild side effects like redness or bruising are rare, mild and transitory. NICE have published guidance on ESWT which codifies its practice and highlights areas where it should not be used, these include the brain , the eyes, the thoracic area and during pregnancy. The Approved application are:

• Planta fasciitis with or without heel spur
• Achilles Tendon
• Radial epicondylopathy (tennis elbow)
• Rotator cuff with or without calcification
• Patella tendon
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

How does ESWT work

The shock waves create an extracellular cavitation which leads to the endoplasmic reticulum of the fibroblasts, responsible for protein and lipid synthesis to increase in size. Growth factors such as IGF-1, TGF- beta 1, IL-6, FGF-2 and PGDF are released. These are intimately related to the body’s healing and repair functions including the production of collagen. ESTW also has the effect of creating oxidative stress which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) these super reactive molecules lead to the production on Nitrous Oxide (NO) these are important signalling molecules which triggers an increase in systemic osteogenic factors in bone, Inflammation reduction and improved blood supply.

Footmap Methodology

Although not the first step in a treatment trajectory ESTW is a useful tool and we would be delighted to carry out a consultation at any of our Footmap clinics and if appropriate we would be happy to use ESTW as part of your treatment plan. If this is carried out a our clinics based at any Altimus store, this first appointment will be FREE