Mechanism of action

How does it work?

appareil de choc radiale - Shock wave

Once the projectile hits the applicator, an acoustic radial wave is created and propelled from the probe to the skin and underlying tissues.

The mechanical energy created by the radial shockwave locally provokes micro trauma. This initiates an inflammatory response, which cleans up metabolic waste, increases vascularization and stimulates the release of angiogenic growth factors. Basically, radial shockwave therapy gives healing a second chance while favoring tissue repair.

Most frequently treated and diagnosed conditions

  • Achilles tendinopathy (insertion and tendon body)
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heel spurs
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Tendinopathy / trochanteric bursopathy (Greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
  • Medial and lateral epicondylopathy (tennis elbow, golfer elbow)
  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)

Recommended standard treatment

Schedule after the last treatment

  • Radial shockwave therapy is the first step in treatment
  • Prescription for eccentric and complimentary training exercises.

*** The recommended number of treatments according to scientific literature varies between 3-4 treatments every 5 to 10 days.

ATTENTION: It doesn’t guarantee that the condition won’t return if other factors haven’t been addressed.

AVOID anti-inflammatory medication (including ibuprofen), applying heat or ice to the treated area for 3-4 weeks during the treatment as well as 4 weeks post treatment.

AVOID activities that can irritate or put stress on the treated area for 4 weeks post treatment. These activities can gradually be started again while monitoring symptoms.

Schedule after the last treatment

  • 4 weeks of minimal or very moderate activity
  • We start the eccentric training exercises one week after the last treatment
  • At 4 weeks, we can gradually recommence more active activities
  • At 8-12 weeks, we purposely and gradually apply stress to the treated area (progressive return to more intense sports)
  • EVERYTHING IS DONE ACCORDING TO ONE’S RESPONSE TO TREATMENT

Expected results

  • Healing time varies greatly in each individual depending on the body’s response
  • It’s rare to see improvement before 3 months post treatment (length of eccentric training exercises).
  • It’s possible that the healing process might be spread out over several months after treatment (up to 1 year).
  • Recovery time also depends greatly on the patient’s cooperation (following the recommendations and exercises).

Contra-indications

  • Treatment involving nerve trunks or large blood vessels
  • Badly localized and non palpable pain
  • PREGNANCY
  • RISK OF HEMMORAGE (haemophilia, taking anticoagulants such as coumadin or aspirin) ***stop 2 weeks BEFORE
  • Avoid the pulmonary / cardiac area
  • Open scar or wound in the treatment zone
  • Infection or acute inflammation at the site of the lesion
  • Non-cooperative patient
  • Active growth plate (infant or adolescent)
  • Cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years
  • Oral corticosteroid therapy for longer than three months
  • Systemic inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Cortisone infiltration to the affected site within 2 months prior to treatment
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medication (including ibuprofen) within 2 weeks prior to treatment.

appareil de choc radiale - Shock wave