Focus Shockwave (F-SW) Therapy
What is F-SW (Shockwave) Therapy?
In the body, these high energy acoustic waves stimulate the cell and the body’s intrinsic healing mechanism. In F-SW Therapy, the wave is focused through a lens and transmitted into the body, up to a depth of about 4.7.
You may have heard of high energy shockwave treatments that can break up kidney stones (lithotripsy). The Shockwave uses a similar wave form but at much lower energy levels.
Shockwave isn’t designed to destroy tissue, but rather to restart the healing cascade via mechanotransduction, a process which helps improve specified chronic conditions.
Shockwave appears to act as a pro-inflammatory, especially in chronic conditions where the healing process has stalled. Shockwave therapy is effectively “rebooting” the healing process. Nitric oxide released promotes vasodilation and neovascularization. Induce nitric oxide generated by phagocytes, regulates immune and inflammatory responses.
Shockwave also interferes with the nervous system and yields neurophysiological responses producing an analgesic effect and the reduction of hypotonia and muscle spasms. Shockwave also promotes tenocyte proliferation, resulting in tendon regeneration and remodeling.
The number of treatments depends on two factors:
The condition being treated and how the tissue responds.
Typically, 3-6 treatments are necessary with resolution of some symptoms being achieved by the third treatment.
An improvement in function and pain relief may be seen after the first treatment.
These improvements can foster increased functional levels when incorporated into a well-designed plan of care by your rehabilitation specialist. Even though you may have pain relief, follow the recommendation of your physician on when you may return to activity.
Potential Benefits of F-SW Therapy
Short treatment time (minutes)
Deep tissues can be reached
Non-invasive and no known significant adverse effects
Precise & targeted application
Results in few treatments
Alternative to medication