Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: an update
This article discusses Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), a non-invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal disorders. The therapy is considered safe, with few known side effects. The mechanism of action involves mechano-transduction, where mechanical energy from shock waves induces changes in the cellular skeleton, and contributes to the improvement of the healing process. There are positive effects in conditions such as insertional tendinopathies (plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon fasciitis), calcifying tendonitis of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, trigger points, osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, and wound healing problems. The biological effects of ESWT include cell regeneration, activation, migration, and interaction at the molecular level. This study suggests ESWT is a viable option in conservative therapy for these conditions.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in the Management of Sports Medicine Injuries
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is increasingly popular for treating musculoskeletal conditions in athletes, with growing evidence supporting its efficacy. The treatment protocols, including energy flux density, shockwave type, and session parameters, can be adjusted in clinical settings. ESWT is deemed safe for addressing conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, lateral elbow epicondylitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, hamstring tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, other tendinopathies, plantar fasciopathy, bone stress injuries, and medial tibial stress syndrome in athletes. It is particularly beneficial for in-season athletes, often requiring minimal time away from sports and yielding rapid benefits. Combining ESWT with physical therapy is recommended for achieving long-term functional gains and optimizing healing outcomes.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a widely used non-invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal disorders. Originating in the 1980s, ESWT involves emitting acoustic shockwaves that carry energy through tissues, triggering beneficial responses such as pain relief, vascularization, protein biosynthesis, cell proliferation, neuro, and chondroprotection, as well as the destruction of calcium deposits. These effects contribute to tissue regeneration and significant pain reduction, enhancing functional outcomes in injured tissues. With its diverse benefits, ESWT holds considerable promise as a regenerative medicine technique for treating a range of musculoskeletal injuries.
Achilles tendinopathy is a common lower limb injury, often requiring surgery despite various conservative treatments. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), successful in treating other musculoskeletal injuries, has shown promise for Achilles tendinopathy. This systematic review aimed to assess ESWT’s effectiveness in managing midportion Achilles tendinopathy through a comprehensive literature search. The review suggests that ESWT is a safe and effective modality for midportion Achilles tendinopathy, with evidence indicating that combining ESWT with eccentric exercises and stretching may enhance its effectiveness.