The Great Benefits of ESWT Shock Wave Therapy in Pain Control
What is ESWT? Basic Principles of Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a method used to treat various pains and disorders in the body. The main principles of treatment are determined by the following points:
Formation of Shock Waves: It is applied by creating high-energy sound waves.
Moving Process: Shock waves are transmitted to the body with special devices.
Effects on Tissues: The waves accelerate the healing process by creating micro trauma in the tissues.
Increased blood circulation: This microtrauma increases blood circulation in that area.
Pain Reduction: When applied by specialists in the field, the pain reducing effect is quite high.
Prominent Benefits: The Role of ESWT in Pain Control
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) plays an effective role in reducing chronic pain. The prominent benefits are as follows:
Fast Pain Relief: ESWT inhibits the transmission of pain signals by stimulating biochemical reactions.
Tissue Regeneration: Supports wound healing and tissue repair by accelerating cell metabolism.
Reducing Inflammation: It helps to reduce swelling and pain by modulating inflammatory processes.
Lack of Side Effects: Since it is a non-surgical method, it carries minimal risk of side effects in localised applications.
Non-invasive Method: Thanks to its non-invasiveness, patients can easily continue their daily lives.
Areas of Use: In Which Situations is ESWT Preferred?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is widely used for various musculoskeletal disorders. Below are some of the conditions for which this treatment is preferred:
Plantar Fasciitis It is effective in the treatment of pain due to heel spur.
Tendonitis It is especially used in elbow, shoulder and knee tendonitis.
Kalkaneal Spurs: It helps to relieve the pain caused by bone protrusions in the heel bone.
Stress Fractures: Accelerates the healing of small cracks in the bones.
Muscle Tensions: It is used to reduce muscle spasms and tension.
Wounds That Don't Go Away: It is effective in the treatment of chronic and difficult healing wounds.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: It is used to relieve pain in muscle and connective tissues.
Specialised doctors assess whether ESWT is appropriate, taking into account the specific needs of patients. The treatment aims to improve quality of life by reducing the symptoms of various health problems.
Common Disorders in which ESWT is Effective
ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy) is an effective treatment method for various orthopaedic and musculoskeletal disorders:
Heel Spur (Plantar Fasciitis): This discomfort, which causes patients to complain of intense pain in the heel, can be greatly alleviated by ESWT.
Tendonitis Shock wave therapy gives very successful results in the treatment of tendon inflammation.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): The severe pain and stiffness caused by this immobility can be significantly reduced with this treatment.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This overuse injury to the arms responds well to ESWT.
Hip Calcification (Coxarthrosis): It provides significant relief in joint pain.
ESWT Application Process and Things to Consider
Implementation Process
Diagnosis and Evaluation:
The doctor first diagnoses the patient and determines the appropriate ESWT treatment plan.
Preparation:
The area to be treated is cleaned.
Local anaesthesia is applied if necessary.
Treatment:
The ESWT device is applied to the relevant area.
Session duration is usually 15-20 minutes.
Things to Consider
Session Frequency:
1-2 sessions per week are recommended.
Surgical Precautions:
Excessive pressure on the treated area should be avoided.
Side Effects:
Mild pain or bruising may occur.
Tracking:
After treatment, doctor controls should not be neglected.
Results Supported by Scientific Research and Clinical Studies
American Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (AJPM&R) showed the effectiveness of ESWT in chronic pain conditions such as tendinosis and fasciitis.
2005 Germany Journal of Clinical Experimental ResearchIn an article published in the journal, a significant reduction in pain levels was observed in patients undergoing ESWT.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasised that ESWT in patients with inflammatory pathologies provides permanent improvements compared to pharmacological treatments.
The efficacy of ESWT, International Journal of Sports MedicineIt has also been supported by clinical trials conducted at the University of California, Berkeley.
Stockholm University, Sweden's research revealed that ESWT leads to favourable changes in connective tissue biomarkers.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Association He stated that ESWT is safe in pain control in musculoskeletal injuries.