Shockwave Therapy
Shockwaves are sound waves that have specific physical characteristics, including nonlinearity, high peak pressure followed by low tensile amplitude, short rise time, and short duration (10 ms). They have a single pulse, a wide frequency range (0-20 MHz), and a high pressure amplitude (0-120 MPa)
These characteristics produce a positive and negative phase of shockwave. The positive phase produces direct mechanical forces, whereas the negative phase generates cavitation and gas bubbles that subsequently implode at high speeds, generating a second wave of shockwaves.
In comparison to ultrasound waves, the shockwave peak pressure is approximately 1000 times greater than the peak pressure of an ultrasound wave.
Indications for Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is primarily used in the treatment of common musculoskeletal conditions. These include:
- Upper and lower extremity tendinopathies
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciopathy
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Non-union of long bone fracture
- Avascular necrosis of femoral head
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
