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What is shockwave therapy?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), simply known as shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive regenerative treatment that involves the use of high-energy acoustic shockwaves to promote the body’s natural healing and tissue regeneration in injured ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. It is primarily used in sports medicine, orthopaedics, and rehabilitation medicine to alleviate pain. This is made possible as the shockwaves directly stimulate the nerves located at the area of injury. Although it sounds painful, most patients have described the sensation as mildly uncomfortable.

ESWT Singapore
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive pain relief treatment that transmits high and low pulses to the injured tissue.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy in Singapore is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. It is often recommended for individuals whose injuries no longer respond to other non-invasive treatment options, such as physiotherapy. 

By incorporating a shockwave therapy machine, pulses of both high and low-energy acoustic waves are generated outside the body and then focused on the affected tissue. Shockwave therapy works in the following ways:

  • Mechanical stress: when the acoustic waves reach the targeted tissue, they exert mechanical stress on the cells and structures within that tissue, causing microtrauma and triggering the body’s natural healing response.
  • Neovascularisation: when the healing response is triggered, neovascularisation, or the formation of new blood vessels, occurs. This increases blood flow to the affected area, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors that are essential for tissue repair.
  • Stimulation of cellular activity: the healing response also triggers the release of various biochemical substances, such as cytokines, growth factors, and neuropeptides. These substances help to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and modulate pain perception.
  • Pain modulation: shockwave therapy has been shown to modulate pain perception by affecting nerve fibres and pain receptors in the treated area. It can disrupt pain signals, leading to immediate pain relief and a reduction in chronic pain over time.
ESWT Singapore
Shockwave therapy is often part of a more comprehensive rehabilitation treatment plan.

Benefits of shockwave therapy

  • Non-invasive with minimal side effects
  • Effective pain relief
  • Accelerated healing
  • Improved functionality

What is shockwave therapy used for?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT, has shown efficacy in treating the following conditions:

How is shockwave therapy conducted?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in Singapore is a safe and well-tolerated treatment with minimum discomfort. Generally, a shockwave therapy session consists of:

  • Initial Consultation: prior to the therapy, you will undergo an assessment with your pain specialist. This will include physical examinations, reviewing your medical history, and observing current symptoms.
  • Preparation: the treatment area is thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. A gel is applied to the treatment area to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves into the body.
  • Treatment: Once the shockwave therapy device is placed over the treatment area, it emits low- and high-energy shockwaves to targeted tissues, tendons, and more.
  • Intensity adjustment: throughout the session, the intensity will be adjusted based on your tolerance level and the condition or injury you are being treated for.
  • Post-treatment: depending on the severity of your condition or injury and the radius of the treatment area, a session can last 15 minutes to an hour. After the session, you are expected to follow post-treatment aftercare. 

What results can I expect after shockwave therapy?

The results of shockwave therapy can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, its severity, and individual response to treatment. However, some common outcomes include:

  • Pain reduction: following shockwave therapy sessions, individuals may experience a significant decrease in pain, which may be immediate or gradual over the course of several weeks. These effects can be long-lasting, allowing for sustained pain relief.
  • Improved functionality: individuals whose mobility and functionality were hindered by pain may experience enhanced joint mobility, range of motion, and overall functionality after pain reduction from shockwave therapy.  
  • Tissue healing and regeneration: issues such as inflammation, tendinitis, and tissue damage are resolved due to the body’s natural healing processes, which promote tissue repair and regeneration. 
shockwave therapy benefits
ESWT, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy, allows for prolonged pain relief and improved mobility and functionality.

How many shockwave therapy sessions are needed?

The number of shockwave therapy sessions required depends on various factors, such as the condition or injury being treated, its severity, the individual’s general health, and their response to treatment. Generally, shockwave therapy consists of three to six sessions, with one to two weeks between sessions.

While many patients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, the full benefits of shockwave therapy may take several weeks to manifest as the body continues to heal and regenerate tissues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pain during shockwave therapy varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the individual’s pain threshold, the specific condition being treated, and the intensity of the treatment. Some individuals experience mild discomfort or pressure as the shockwaves are applied to the targeted area. The intensity of this sensation can vary but is generally well tolerated by most.

A session usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.

Shockwave therapy is a straightforward procedure. Once your session has been scheduled, remember to adhere to your doctor’s instructions, which can include temporarily stopping certain medications, refraining from applying topical creams to the treatment area, and keeping yourself well-hydrated.