Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave is a physics term for a high energy sound wave, characterized by a rapid rise time, slight cavitation dip and a clearly defined focal area.
In Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), sound energy is released into the tissues and causes a physical stimulus to the cells, which then release cytokines and growth factors that aid in healing. In other words, shockwave therapy is used to heal tissues. It does this by helping to control inflammation, reducing cartilage degradation and can even help to disrupt biofilms, allowing antibiotics to work better.
At Cedarview, we have two types of shockwave machines. The Chatanooga is a radial type that is a mechanical generator of sound waves. Its benefits are that it is quiet and gentle, and works best for superficial applications. The PiezoWave Vet Shockwave is a machine that allows for a more direct and focused treatment. With it, we can alter the energy delivered, to accommodate patient comfort without it being loud. It comes with several different heads to accommodate different disease processes. It even has a massage effect for deep myofascial structures.
The benefits of ESWT include: Stimulation of new blood vessel formation, regulation of inflammation, stimulation of bone metabolism, protection of cartilage, stimulation of stem cells, antibacterial effects, growth factor release, etc.
We recommend its use in many different orthopedic conditions. “Shockwave is one of the few medical technologies which treats pain syndromes of the musculoskeletal system by repeatedly triggering the body’s own self-healing processes.”
ESWT has been proven safe and effective at:
TREATING TENDON, LIGAMENT and MUSCLE INJURIES (as alternative to surgery)
IMPROVING BONE HEALING (post-op and non-healing fractures) (inc TPLO)
OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT as part of a multi-modal approach
TREATING CHRONIC PAIN
WOUND HEALING including lick granulomas, 2nd intention healing
Some specific conditions that we can treat include: Bicepital tenosynovitis, supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendinopathy, carpal tendon and ligament injuries (both acute and chronic), intervertebral disc disease, lumbosacral disease, hip dysplasia, iliopsoas strains, cruciate disease, patellar luxation, medial and lateral collateral ligament inflammation, Achilles tendinopathy, degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) affecting most/all joints, wounds, osteochondrosis dissecans.
Contraindications include: Cancer, infection in the focal area, coagulation disorders, pregnancy, lungs, brain, eyes, spinal cord in the focal area, growth plate in the focal area.