From chronic pain to limited mobility, conditions affecting the functioning of the musculoskeletal system can be debilitating and frustrating for patients. That’s why novel treatment options that are minimally invasive and can result in less side effects, such as shockwave therapy, are continuously being explored and studied for their efficacy in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
In this article, we’ll look into the science behind shockwave therapy, examine its effectiveness in treating different musculoskeletal conditions, and discuss who may benefit from this innovative approach.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These shockwaves are generated outside the body and then directed towards the affected area, where they can interact with the tissues and promote regeneration.
The key mechanisms behind shockwave therapy’s effectiveness include:
- Pain Reduction: Shockwave therapy has been shown to reduce pain by modulating the transmission of pain signals and reducing inflammation, in a process called mechanotransduction.
- Tissue Regeneration: Shockwave therapy has been shown to facilitate processes involved in the production and proliferation of stem cells and other important biological molecules, ultimately leading to enhanced tissue regeneration.
- Neovascularization: Shockwaves can potentially stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to the injured or diseased tissues.
- Neuroprotection: Shockwaves can potentially prevent further nerve damage by encouraging different regenerative processes including suppression of apoptosis or programmed cell death, reduction of axonal damage, and improvement in nerve innervation in the damaged site.
- Chondroprotection: Shockwaves can potentially improve the structural integrity of cartilages and facilitate the production of new chondrocytes for better healing of damaged parts.
- Bone Healing: Shockwave therapy has been shown to improve bone healing by facilitating and enhancing biological processes involved in healing and regeneration, including phagocytosis, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis.
Compared to more traditional treatment options, shockwave therapy is a relatively quick and convenient procedure, typically taking only 15-30 minutes per session. It’s also considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment, with minimal side effects reported in most cases.
Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Musculoskeletal Conditions?
The short answer is yes—shockwave therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. While the research is still ongoing, numerous studies have already demonstrated the effectiveness of this therapy in addressing a wide range of issues, from tendon and bone pathologies to muscle-related problems.
One of the key advantages of shockwave therapy is its ability to target the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. By stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, shockwave therapy can help address the underlying issues that are contributing to the musculoskeletal condition, potentially leading to longer-lasting relief and improved outcomes for patients.
Musculoskeletal Conditions Potentially Treated With Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive option considered when other conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, and taking painkillers, cannot alleviate the symptoms of the musculoskeletal condition that the patient is suffering from.
It’s utilized before turning into more invasive options like corticosteroid injections and surgery, to avoid the risks associated with such treatment options and to allow a patient to immediately go back to their activities. It’s also a great alternative for patients afraid of needles.
Here are the specific musculoskeletal conditions that can be effectively treated with this therapy:
Tendon Pathologies
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in treating tendon-related conditions. The shockwaves can stimulate the production of collagen, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation, all of which can contribute to the healing and regeneration of the affected tendon.
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of shockwave therapy in treating the following tendon pathologies:
- Lateral epicondylopathy of the elbow (tennis elbow)
- Plantar fasciopathy (plantar fasciitis)
Aside from these US FDA-approved indications, numerous studies have also shown that shockwave therapy is effective in treating the following tendon pathologies:
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Distal biceps tendinopathy
- GTPS
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Adductor tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Pes anserine tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Peroneal tendinopathy
Bone Pathologies
Shockwave therapy has also demonstrated its potential in treating bone-related issues, such as the following:
- Delayed healing/nonunion
- Stress fracture
- Osgood Schlatter disease
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Bone marrow edema
- Avascular necrosis
- Osteochondritis dissecans
The shockwaves can promote the formation of new blood vessels, increase the activity of bone-forming cells, and enhance the body’s natural bone repair mechanisms.
Muscle Pathologies
While less extensively studied than tendon and bone conditions, shockwave therapy has also shown promise in addressing certain muscle-related issues, such as:
- Myofascial pain
- Muscle strain without discontinuity
The shockwaves can help reduce muscle spasms, improve blood flow, and potentially aid in the repair of minor muscle injuries.
Contraindications: Who Should Avoid Shockwave Therapy?
While shockwave therapy is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment, there are a few contraindications to be aware of:
- Malignant Tumor in the Treatment Area: Shockwave therapy should not be performed in areas where there is a known or suspected malignant tumor, as the high-energy waves could potentially stimulate the growth of the tumor.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are generally discouraged from undergoing shockwave therapy, as the potential effects on the developing fetus are not well understood.
- Severe Coagulopathy: Individuals with severe blood clotting disorders or taking anticoagulant medications may be at an increased risk of bleeding complications and should avoid shockwave therapy.
It’s important to note that these contraindications are relatively rare, and most patients can safely undergo shockwave therapy as long as they are properly evaluated and cleared by a healthcare provider.
Comprehensive Treatments for Musculoskeletal Conditions at Quantum Reset
While the research is ongoing, the available evidence suggests that shockwave therapy can be an effective and viable treatment option for many patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. By stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, this therapy can help address the underlying causes of the problem, potentially leading to longer-lasting relief and improved outcomes.
At Quantum Reset, we’re committed to helping our patients improve their quality of life through our holistic treatments rooted in regenerative medicine. Our expert team specializes in shockwave therapy and other effective treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Together, we can explore different treatment options, or their combination, that could be the right solution for your needs.
Schedule your consultation with us today to gain topnotch guidance and personalized treatment specifically tailored for your condition.
References
Rhim HC, Shin J, Kang J, Dyrek P, Crockett Z, Galido P, Wade C, Hollander K, Borg-Stein J, Sampson S, Tenforde AS. Use of extracorporeal shockwave therapies for athletes and physically active individuals: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2024 Feb 7;58(3):154-163. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107567. PMID: 38228375.
Schroeder, A. N., Tenforde, A. S., & Jelsing, E. J. (2021). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of sports medicine injuries. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 20(6), 298–305. https://doi.org/10.1249/jsr.0000000000000851
Simplicio CL, Purita J, Murrell W, Santos GS, Dos Santos RG, Lana JFSD. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020 May;11(Suppl 3):S309-S318. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.02.004. Epub 2020 Feb 12. PMID: 32523286; PMCID: PMC7275282.
