Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) is a medical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve function in various musculoskeletal conditions. It is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy.
How it Works:
- Energy Delivery: High-energy waves are focused precisely on a specific area of the body.
- Mechanical Effects: These waves create microtrauma or stress in the tissues, stimulating the body's natural healing processes.
- Biological Response:
- Increases blood flow to the treated area.
- Stimulates the production of growth factors.
- Promotes the regeneration of tissues like tendons, ligaments, and bones.
- Reduces calcifications and scar tissue.
Conditions Treated:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- Stress fractures and delayed bone healing
- Chronic myofascial pain
- Ankle instability
Benefits:
- Non-invasive
- No need for anesthesia
- Minimal side effects
- Short treatment sessions (10-30 minutes)
- Can be an alternative to surgery in some cases
Procedure:
- The patient is positioned comfortably.
- A gel is applied to the skin to improve acoustic wave transmission.
- A handheld device delivers focused waves to the targeted area.
Side Effects:
- Temporary pain or discomfort
- Redness or swelling in the treated area
- Bruising (rare)
Focused vs. Radial Shockwave Therapy:
- Focused Shockwave Therapy: High-energy, targeted, and penetrates deeper into tissues. Suitable for conditions like bone healing or deeper tendinopathies.
- Radial Shockwave Therapy: Lower energy, disperses over a broader area, often used for surface-level conditions.
If you're considering FSWT, consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it's appropriate for your specific condition.
2022 Study on the Effectiveness of Focused Shockwave Therapy for ankle instability.
http://www.kptjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.18857/jkpt.2022.34.3.91
