Radial Shockwave Therapy

The Start
The first experience that could be made with the impacts of shockwaves on a biological system, started in the early 80-ies, when urologists used this method to shatter kidney stones. It didn't last that long, then ortopedics recognized the potential benefit for painful tendons, ligaments, capsules or calcified structures. 


The development of the Radial Shockwave Therapy
The original shockwave apparatus was constructed to pass 30-40cm of bodytissue, until the shockwave could approach the kidney properly. Therefore the industry generated huge machines - but this maximum strength of energy had a striking disadvantage: patients to be treated for e.g. complaints like a heel spur had such unbearable pain during the treatment that the setting was adapted. That meant that patients were anaesthetised during the treatment session. So the orthopedic physician had to cooperate with a anaesthesiologist also! You can imagine that this procedure got much more expensive also.

What are the most important effects of the radial shockwave therapy?
One of the main effects is the major increase of bloodflow in the tissue - that leads to more oxygen and nutritions in the painful area and the bringing-away from sour wasteproducts from the metabolism. These sour substances have the potential to hypersensitize the painreceptors, which then are permanent firing impulses to the spinal cord and brain. Another direct effect is the analgesic effect, this is supported by a better sliding between fasciae, which can have painful adhesions. But the high physical energy also supports tissue healing by improving the cell-to-cell mechanisms.


What are the main indication for the application of shockwaves?

  • Tennis- and gulf-ellbow
  • Achillodynia
  • Painful calcifications e.g. in the shoulder
  • Chronic painful muscle triggerpoints
  • Jumper' Knee, Runner's Knee 
  • Heelspur