SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy has many acronyms to represent targeted technologies to address chronic and acute pain as well as injuries.

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Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of high-energy acoustic pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.

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Shockwave therapy is hailed as today's most innovative approach to treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and connective tissue disorders. Shockwaves are radial pressure waves (EPAT) that is backed by evidence and work well in tandem with a range of complementary regenerative solutions for exceptional outcomes. 

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Overall, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a healing accelerator and is particularly efficacious in treating athletes and patients of all ages.  It's important to note that not all shockwave equipment is created equally.  At ProPeak Sports Medicine we offer the best of the best in Shockwave Equipment.  Our newest machine, purchased in 2024, paired with Dr. Weber-Lopez award winning status in this field is an incredible value to our practice.  We are proud to offer our patients this incredible alternative to surgery.

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How Does Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Work? 

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) stimulates a cascade of biological responses across cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Applying shockwave in treatment stimulates regeneration and awakens the body's natural healing system. This approach yields multiple advantages, including heightened collagen synthesis, cellular proliferation, accelerated wound healing, pain reduction, neovascularization, and diminished inflammation. 

Recognized as a game-changing therapeutic approach, Shockwave technology is backed by Level 1 evidence and brings about these multifaceted benefits to promote recovery and well-being at various physiological levels.

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When it comes to treating athletes, the ability to perform at a high level matters. It’s why there is a particular urgency to address musculoskeletal injury or dysfunction to get them back to their sport of choice as soon as possible. The option to avoid injections and/or surgical intervention is welcomed by athletes seeking relief. Shockwave therapy is an exceptional treatment option that offers athletes a safe means for an expedited return to competition, requiring minimal to no downtime.

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Also noteworthy, many can maintain their training regimens throughout the treatment period. For athletes who suffer common overuse injuries, this non-invasive treatment offers a welcome alternative to traditional protocols.

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While treatments are customized for each patient, generally, treatment times are 15 to 20 minutes in length, with weekly visits of approximately 4 – 6 weeks. Many patients experience relief and analgesic effects after the first treatment.

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How Shockwave Can Help Treat Each Condition

Achilles tendinopathy - Repetitive minuscule injuries and tears to the tendon fibers take an enormous toll on the Achilles tendon and the athlete enduring the injury. Athletes who suffer from Achilles tendinopathy may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Using Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Achilles tendinopathy is exceptionally effective. Explore the evidence to see how athletes score functional gains - quickly and efficiently; read this study. 

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Tennis or golfer's elbow - Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow) are common inflammatory conditions triggered by repetitive motion. Both are prevalent among athletes and active patients, and they can benefit immensely from shockwave therapy. 
 

Stress fractures – Bone stress injuries (BSI) frequently plague runners, and due to the associated prolonged time necessary away from sport, the toll it takes is physically and mentally impactful. And while the diagnosis is disheartening, shockwave offers new hope.

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Frozen shoulder – This frustrating ailment among athletes impinges shoulder movement, limiting motion and affecting daily living. The severity of the frozen shoulder will dictate your approach to shockwave therapy. EPAT will effectively address the broader area. 
 

Plantar fasciitis – This inflammatory condition is commonplace in our athletic and active patient populations and causes severe heel and arch pain; with particularly acute symptoms upon rising or taking that first step out of bed in the morning. The plantar fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed and is exacerbated by overuse. This condition is excruciating and can sideline athletes because even standing and walking is difficult, never mind performing at a high level. Fortunately, the efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Plantar fasciitis is well-established and proven by multiple clinical trials and our current patient population.
 

Rotator cuff injuries – Rotator cuff injuries can be acute or chronic. Usually, the pain increases at night, and the presence of shoulder weakness is part of the symptom profile. Calcium deposits may also form on the shoulder tendon. Dive into this study for full details of findings on treating with shockwave, "Effects of High-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability, Quality of Life, and Ultrasonographic Changes in Patients with Calcified Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy."
 

Strained calves or hamstrings – These injuries are high on the list of conditions among athletes and patients of all ages, and patient results and published studies prove the efficacy of EPAT for both calf strains and hamstrings.
 

Shin splints – Considered a painful condition, shin splints occur from inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and tissues surrounding the tibia. Also referred to as Medial tibial stress syndrome, it was one of 8 functional lower limb injuries explored in a study focused on the effectiveness of shockwave therapy, and it was determined that Shockwave delivers multiple effects contributing to tissue healing and pain relief.

 

Hip pain – Hip pain in athletes and active individuals come in many forms, and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy has been shown to greatly alleviate hip pain.  Based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.  We have seen incredible results in golfers, weightlifters and active individuals.

 

Jumper's knees – Another frequently seen overuse injury which can develop slowly over time and become chronic. The results are in - Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness and safety compared to traditional conservative approaches to chronic patellar tendinopathy. 

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What Are the Expected Results?

 

Shockwave Therapy EPAT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods (including surgery) and without the risks, complications and lengthy recovery time.

 

Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life. Over 80% of patients treated report to be pain free and/or have significant pain reduction.

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Patients can:

• Bear weight (i.e. walk) immediately,

• Return to work/normal activities within 24-48 hours

• Resume strenuous activities after 4 weeks.

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Life is short. Get active quicker. Request ShockWave.

Do you have more questions about Shockwave?  We are happy to help guide you through this process.

Request a consultation using the online form or call us at (631) 944-3020 to schedule an appointment.

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