Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapy that can speed up the body’s natural healing ability. It uses radial pressure waves or focused shockwaves to target specific areas of the body. Since the energy level of the shockwaves is so low, people do not require anesthesia or sedation during therapy sessions. In most cases, people do not experience any pain or discomfort.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is often used to treat kidney stones and injuries to the legs or feet. However, medical professionals have found that ESWT is highly effective in treating spasticity that may occur after traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke.
This article will explore some of the uses and benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. You will learn how this therapy works, what conditions it can treat, what to expect during therapy sessions, and more.
If you or a loved one are interested in exploring the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, contact The Hartman Center specialists today. Learn more about ESTW or schedule an appointment.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment method that uses gentle shockwaves to decrease pain and encourage the healing of injuries throughout the body. ESWT may be a good option for people who have tried other therapies and have not found relief.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy works in two ways. In the focused shockwave method, the clinician uses an extracorporeal shockwave therapy machine to apply a highly concentrated impulse to specific areas of the body. Treatment sessions take between 5-15 minutes and are not painful.
The second method uses radial shockwaves in much of the same way. However, this method uses higher-energy focused shockwaves. This method may deliver energy into deeper tissue areas but is a relatively new form of treatment.
Originally, extracorporeal shockwave therapy was used to treat physical injuries or inflammation in the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and facia. Practitioners found that patients with foot and ankle injuries, tennis elbow, and other conditions benefitted from this innovative therapy.
However, ESWT has also been shown to be effective at helping people with TBI or stroke to regain muscle functioning and elasticity.
Understanding Spasticity After Brain Injury
People who sustain severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or stroke may develop a condition called spasticity. Spasticity is caused by disrupted brain signals. It can cause uncontrolled muscle overactivity.
The brain communicates to other areas of the body through the spinal cord and nerves. The brain sends signals to the body, causing muscles to contract or relax as needed. Traumatic brain injury can impair these signals, causing loss of control or overactivity in the muscles.
People with spasticity may experience symptoms that include:
- Tight muscles that are difficult to relax or stretch
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of fine motor control
- Overactive reflexes
- Clonus (uncontrolled rhythmic joint movements)
Spasticity can affect people with TBI or stroke in different ways. For example, people with spasticity may find that they cannot pick up or grasp small objects, which can make eating, working, and other activities much more challenging.
Symptoms of spasticity may worsen at night, interfering with a person’s ability to get good sleep. Muscles can tighten suddenly, causing stiffness and impairing movement. Spasms can disrupt daily activities and make people feel uncomfortable.
People with TBI may not experience spasticity at all. Some may have symptoms that come and go or worsen during certain activities. People who do develop spasticity after TBI or stroke may find that the condition dramatically affects their functioning and quality of life.
People who have sustained a TBI or stroke may not know when it is appropriate to seek treatment. Here are some signs that treatment may be necessary to manage spasticity after TBI:
- You have stiff muscles that limit your range of motion
- Your symptoms make it more challenging to do everyday activities like walking, eating, and getting dressed
- You do not get adequate sleep or feel tired during the day
- It is difficult for you to take deep breaths
- You experience pain when your muscles tighten up
- You are uncomfortable while sitting or in bed
If you or someone you love struggles with the symptoms of spasticity, you do not have to accept the discomfort and disruption to your life. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may help you feel better and restore functioning.
What Conditions Does Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Help?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an effective, non-invasive therapy that can help with a range of disorders and conditions. Here is an overview of how ESWT can benefit several common conditions.
TBI-related spasticity
Research has found that ESWT can help people with TBI and stroke-related spasticity regain muscle control and comfort. Injury to the brain and nerves can cause weakness, a loss of fine motor control, overactivity, and other symptoms that impair daily functioning. Without treatment, tendons and muscles can experience changes that worsen these symptoms.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help improve muscle tone and functioning. This may reduce disruptive symptoms and lead to improved quality of life.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard masses made up of accumulated minerals like calcium. They develop in the kidneys and sometimes move into the tubes that carry urine to the bladder. Kidney stones may sometimes become too large to pass through these tubes. This can cause severe pain and prevent urine from passing through to the bladder.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses shockwaves to break up the stones, allowing the pieces to pass through to the bladder, where they can be eliminated during urination.
Foot and ankle injuries
Tendon, joint, and muscle injuries in the feet and ankles can cause pain and loss of mobility. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can help to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow. This may enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.
When Should Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Not Be Used?
While extracorporeal shockwave therapy is considered to be safe for most people, there are some situations when this therapy is not appropriate. These include:
- During pregnancy
- In those with open wounds
- In people with a blood clotting disorder, including thrombosis
- When infection is present
- On cancerous tissue
- Over areas of the body containing major nerves or blood vessels
- In people with pacemakers and other implanted devices
- In people with epiphysis
- In those with joint replacements
If you are curious about exploring the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, contact the specialists at The Hartman Center. We will work with you to ensure that this type of therapy is safe and most likely to be effective.
What to Expect During Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Sessions
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive therapy that can help people regain muscle flexibility and function after TBI. It can also help with other conditions, including foot and ankle injuries, kidney stones, and more.
It can be helpful to know what to expect during. Here is an overview of what to expect during extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions.
First, you will lie down with the area of focus exposed. The clinician will apply a special gel to the affected area. This will allow the shockwaves to reach the muscles or other areas more efficiently.
Then, the clinician will turn on the extracorporeal shockwave machine. The machine itself typically resembles a metal wand or gun attached to a metal box. Your clinician will then apply the shockwave gun to the affected area.
The machine will deliver rapid impulses to the affected area. Treatment sessions may last between 5 and 15 minutes. When the session is complete, your clinician may provide additional instructions on how to promote healing. They may include staying hydrated and limiting physical activity for up to two weeks.
While ESWT is safe for most people, some experience side effects after treatment. The most common negative side effects of ESWT include:
- Bruising
- Red skin
- Pain after treatment
- Discomfort during treatment
- Nerve pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Swelling
- Increased sensitivity
- Numbness
- Blood vessel damage
- Treatment site reaction
- Joint disorder
- Burning sensation
In some cases, adverse side effects occur from improper use of ESWT. It is important to find a licensed, experienced practitioner who will use best practices to apply this therapy.
Some people notice relief right away. For others, it may take several sessions to notice results. Your clinician will determine how many sessions are appropriate for your needs. Typically, people participate in three to five sessions.
Find Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
The effects of TBI, stroke, and other conditions can make many aspects of life more challenging. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and a loss of functioning.
If you live with muscle pain, tightness, or spasms after stroke or TBI, effective treatment is available at The Hartman Center. Contact our specialists to learn more about the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy or our other holistic therapies.