ESWT (EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY)
ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy), which encompasses both Radial Shockwave (RSW) and Focus Shockwave (FSW) therapy, is a non-invasive treatment option that has support in the literature for helping address muscle aches and pains associated with shoulder dysfunction. 33 During treatment with ESWT, high-energy sound waves are transmitted into the tissue propagating radially and creating a therapeutic effect on the impacted areas. 34
Listed below are conditions that can be treated with Chattanooga® Radial Shockwave (RSW) devices. 33
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Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Achilles Tendinopathy
Disorders of Tendon Insertions
Myofascial Trigger Points
Muscle Pain & Aches
How does ESWT help tissue? High energy waves, called shockwaves, which can be created via different mechanisms, create a phenomenon called mechanotransduction. Simply put, it is the process of imparting brief, physical deformation to cells that leads to biochemical changes. These changes have the potential to positively impact pain and tissue repair. 35
In some instances, the negative pressure created during the tensile phase of a shockwave creates cavitation bubbles within cells. 36 If intense enough, it can lead to disruption of damaged cells which is why ESWT can be classified as a proinflammatory modality. Disruption of cells can lead to cell death (apoptosis) which triggers a low-level inflammatory response that benefits the process of removal and replacement of damaged tissue. This is another way that RSW therapy can uniquely assist in treating chronic soft tissue problems.
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