Duolith SD1 Focused and Radial Shockwave therapy
Duolith SD1 Ultra from Storz Medical, harnessing Focused and Radial Shockwave Therapy Systems

 

Shockwave therapy has emerged as a revolutionary tool in treating musculoskeletal injuries, pain, and functional limitations. From professional athletes to everyday individuals, this non-invasive treatment accelerates healing and restores mobility. Using advanced systems like the DUOLITH® SD1 »ultra«, shockwave therapy is reshaping recovery in sports medicine and beyond.

Here’s a detailed look at how shockwave therapy works, with insights from a recent case involving a professional volleyball player treated for Achilles tendinitis.

 

via GIPHY

 


What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to deliver energy to injured tissues. These high-energy waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, targeting specific areas of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction. There are two main types of shockwave therapy:

  1. Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT):
    • Delivers precise, high-energy waves to deeper tissues.
    • Ideal for targeting tendons, ligaments, and bones. 

 

Foot X-ray
X-Ray to Visualise the Bones of the Feet

 

  1. Radial Shockwave Therapy:
    • Disperses lower-energy waves over broader, more superficial areas.
    • Effective for treating muscle tension and trigger points.

 

How Does It Stimulate Healing?

Shockwave therapy promotes healing through several mechanisms:

1. Increased Blood Flow

The acoustic waves stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in the treated area. Enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients, accelerating tissue repair.

2. Breakdown of Scar Tissue and Calcifications

Shockwaves mechanically break down adhesions, scar tissue, and calcifications in the affected area. This restores flexibility and reduces stiffness, which is crucial for mobility.

3. Pain Reduction

Shockwaves disrupt pain pathways in the nervous system, providing immediate and lasting relief. They also stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

4. Cellular Regeneration

The therapy promotes collagen production, a key component in repairing tendons, ligaments, and skin. This strengthens and stabilizes the treated tissue.

5. Trigger Point Release

For muscle-related pain, radial shockwaves release tight trigger points, reducing discomfort and improving range of motion.

 

How It Works in Practice

Example: Achilles Tendinitis in a Volleyball Player

Orthopaedic specialists Dr. Rudolf Lassel and Dr. Suchung Kim treated a 24-year-old professional volleyball player with acute Achilles tendinitis using shockwave therapy. Here’s how it worked:

  1. Assessment and Diagnosis:
    • Persistent pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon region.
    • Functional limitations, including difficulty walking and intense pain during training.
    • Diagnostic tests confirmed Achilles tendinitis with no rupture or calcification.
  2. Customized Treatment Protocol:
    • Focused ESWT: 2000 pulses at 0.03–0.2 mJ/mm² targeted the Achilles tendon insertion.
    • Radial ESWT: 6000 pulses at 1.0–2.0 bareff addressed trigger points in the calf and plantar fascia.
  3. Complementary Therapies:
    • Physiotherapy and specific exercises supported the healing process.
    • Training was adapted to reduce stress on the tendon while maintaining fitness.

 

What Were the Results?

Shockwave therapy delivered remarkable outcomes for the volleyball player:

  • Pain intensity dropped significantly after the first session.
  • After five sessions over 15 days, the player was pain-free (VAS score: 0) and had full functional recovery.
  • Follow-up appointments confirmed sustained improvement with no side effects.

 


 

Why Is Shockwave Therapy Effective?

Shockwave therapy is highly effective because it addresses the root causes of pain and dysfunction rather than masking symptoms. It stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, offering:

  • Non-invasive, drug-free treatment.
  • Minimal discomfort with no downtime.
  • Quick results for both acute and chronic conditions.

 

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Tendinitis (e.g., Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow).
  • Plantar fasciitis.
  • Calcific shoulder tendinitis.
  • Stress fractures.
  • Trigger points and muscle tension.

 

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy works by delivering targeted energy to tissues, breaking down barriers to healing, and stimulating regeneration. Advanced systems like the DUOLITH® SD1 »ultra« make this treatment precise, effective, and adaptable to various conditions. Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone seeking relief from chronic pain, shockwave therapy offers a path to faster recovery and improved quality of life.

💬 Interested in learning more about how shockwave therapy can help you or your practice? Contact us today to explore this innovative solution!

 

Posts Same Category