SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

 WHAT ARE RPW SHOCK WAVES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Radial shock waves are acoustic waves introduced into the body by means of a transmitter and handpiece.

These waves move through the body in outward motion from the point of contact. The point of contact will be moved throughout your treatment to cover the entire pain region. Radial shockwaves are often referred to as radial pressure waves, which is the correct definition in physical terms because it best describes how the waveform moves through the body.

When introduced into the tissue, shock waves and pressure waves have effects on a cellular level that are beneficial for healing. Increased blood flow and formation of new blood vessels create an improved environment for tissue repair. It has further been shown that application of shock waves influences the body's pain regulating mechanisms resulting in local pain relief.

WILL IT WORK FOR ME?

The Intelect® RPW Lite allows for the treatment of indications with radial, pneumatically-generated, low energy acoustic waves, or 'pressure pulses'. The applied pressure pulse propagates radially within the tissue, generating a therapeutic effect.

Improvement of symptoms is seen in the following conditions:

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Plantar fasciitis

• Forefoot Neuroma

• Trigger points

• Pain and inflammation management in Orthopedic conditions

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?

Side effects could occur after a treatment with radial pressure wave therapy. The majority will appear after

1-2 days. These side effects usually abate after 5 to 10 days.

Potential side effects include:

• Reddening

• Swelling

• Pain

• Heamatoma (bruising)

• Petechia (red spots)

Speak to your therapist before taking any pain relief, medications or tablets.