The PiezoWave2, developed by Richard Wolf, is the only direct focused shockwave machine on the market. It delivers a series of high-energy mechanical pressure waves to the targeted deep tissue. Piezowave Shockwave Therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive alternative to many surgical or steroid-related procedures.
What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
There are two different types of shockwave machines – Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) and Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT).
- RSWT spreads out its energy into the large superficial muscle and fascia
- FSWT provide more depth penetration for deeper tissues (muscle, tendon, fascia, bone, ligament)
- FSWT delivers the pressure wave converging into the focused area resulting in greater effect in the precise target tissue
How does shockwave therapy work?
Dysfunctional tissues have features as below.
- Low PH acidic condition
- Ischemic tissue with muscle spasm or trigger points
- Due to poor circulation, metabolic waste build up such as substance P
The benefits of shockwave therapy
- Eliminate pain
- Facilitate natural healing process
- Improve local microcirculation leading to improved tissue metabolism
- Increase production of collagen
- Reduce local muscle tension
- Help dissolve calcified tissues
- Stimulate the “washing away” of Substance-P (a pain producing chemical)
Diagnosis and treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points
One of the main benefits of Piezowave Shockwave Therapy is its ability to treat myofascial trigger points in both the superficial and deep layers of the muscles.
Myofascial trigger point is the most common source of pain and dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system but it is very difficult to detect with radiological methods.
When the Piezowave machine is applied on the dysfunctional myofascial tissues, the patient can feel pain, discomfort or radiating sensation in the other part of the body. Thus, it is a great diagnostic tool as well as an excellent treatment machine.
Conditions
Tendon pathologies such as tendinitis/ tendinosis is a persistent source of chronic pain which does not respond well to traditional physical therapy treatment. Focused shockwave therapy is very efficient in the treatment of tendon pathologies.
- Foot pain: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendinopathy, heel pain, toe pain
- Knee pain: patella tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), IT band syndrome
- Leg pain: hamstring injuries, shin splint
- Hip pain: gluteal tendinopathies, greater trochanteric pain, piriformis syndrome
- Elbow pain: Golfer’s elbow, Tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain: rotator cuff injuries, tendon calcification
- Finger and toe pain, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ligament, muscle, tendon, meniscus tear
- Delayed union/non-union fractures, stress fracture
- Men’s Health (Vascular ED)
How long does shockwave therapy take?
LENGTH OF TREATMENT
Each treatment varies slightly in length as the length of time required depends on the size and complexity of the treatment area. A single treatment usually takes about 10 minutes. Approximately 2000 to 3000 pulse waves are delivered into the area being treated during each treatment session.
FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT
Frequency of treatment will depend on individual tolerance and tissue response. The average treatment frequency is 1 or 2 times per week. The total number of treatments needed will vary between patients and conditions. Most conditions require 3-5 sessions.
More degenerative conditions will require longer treatment lengths as the tissue is generally more damaged and thus will take longer to heal. As a general guideline, recent minor sports injuries may take 1-3 treatments, chronically sore but not degenerative conditions may take 6-10 treatments, and degenerative conditions may take 10 or more treatments.
Each individual and condition is unique, and our physical therapy doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
DOES IT WORK?
Piezo Focused Shockwave Therapy is a relatively new technology to the United States that has been used in Europe for many years. Thousands of peer-reviewed scientific journal articles have been written and published describing the usefulness, effectiveness, and safety of FSWT in a wide array of issues.
With a worldwide clinical success rate of 77%-80%, most patients who are treated with FSWT report less pain and quicker healing times.
Treatment Program options
Shockwave Therapy Session
10-15 minutes.
This session consists of exam, consultation, and shockwave therapy treatment.
Comprehensive session including Shockwave therapy
50 minutes to 1 hour.
When the injured tissues are in an acute condition, we need to treat the area with gentle hands-on techniques to decrease sensitivity and release waste products.
After shockwave therapy was applied, we can add Graston technique/ IASTM to break up additional adhesions in the muscle belly since FSWT is most effective in muscle and tendon junctions, and tendon insertion area on the bone.
After shockwave therapy is finished, stretching and mobility exercise programs can restore normal muscle length and improve functional movement.
If you are in New York, NY suffering from pain from an injury and would like to see if you are a candidate for shockwave therapy, contact Touch Of Life Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment and find relief today.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!