Shockwave Therapy

 
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), has its roots in the field of lithotripsy, a medical procedure used to break down kidney stones. This technology was first introduced in the early 1980s, and it quickly became evident that the same principles could be applied to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. In the following years, researchers and practitioners started to explore the potential of shockwave therapy for the treatment of various orthopedic and soft tissue disorders.

Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the targeted tissue, triggering the body's natural healing process. The shockwaves stimulate increased blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the formation of new blood vessels, thus accelerating tissue repair and regeneration.

There are several areas where shockwave therapy has proven to be effective, including:

• Tendinopathies, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow.
• Muscle strains and tears, like hamstring or calf injuries.
• Bone healing, including non-union fractures and stress fractures.
• Myofascial pain syndromes, such as trigger points and muscle tightness.

The success rate of shockwave therapy varies depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the injury. However, studies have shown that it can be quite effective, with success rates ranging from 60% to 80% for conditions like plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.

For those interested in learning more about shockwave therapy, we have listed some online resources below.

We are happy and proud to be offering this promising, non-invasive treatment option for our local Aruban community.