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FAQ for Shockwave Therapy

by msk-direct | 6 Mar, 2025 | Others | 0 Comments

What is Acoustic  Pressure Wave Therapy?

A non-invasive treatment solution using high-peak sound waves (acoustic pulses) that interact with the tissues of the body to provide fast pain relief and restore mobility and function.  This therapy is ideal to accelerate the recovery process of a wide variety of sub-acute and chronic soft-tissue musculoskeletal conditions.

What does this therapy do?

Acoustic waves transfer mechanical energy, non-invasively, to painful areas and injured tissue to trigger the body’s self-healing process.  The energy increases the local blood circulation and activates the regeneration process of the bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and connective tissues. 

What is involved with the treatment?

The hand piece and tip are applied directly to the skin at the pain point and the surrounding areas. The treatment will last 5-10 minutes, depending on how many impulses are needed. The number of treatments depends on the indication and the tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so typically 4-6 treatments are recommended. Very often, immediate pain relief is experienced after the first treatment. 

What are the benefits and effects?

This therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing process by activating the connective tissue, stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, and increasing blood flow, cellular metabolic activity and neurovascular performance. It relaxes muscles, removes of myofascial adhesions which are often the source of trigger point pain, dissolves calcified deposits in soft tissue, and reduces pain through the release of Substance P, a neurotransmitter and pain mediator.

Is it similar to ultrasound?

Acoustic waves and Ultrasound are both sound waves. However, the wave forms and frequencies are different.  Ultrasound has a periodic oscillating wave with a narrow bandwidth and low frequency range of 0.75–3 MHz. An acoustic wave is characterized by rapid rise in higher with a mostly positive wave followed by a short tensile wave (negative tension). Ultrasound also has a thermal effect (heat); whereas, acoustic wave therapy does not.

How does it differ from laser?

Laser therapy is a treatment using intense beams of light. A acoustic wave or pulse is a pressure wave that transfers mechanical energy into the tissue.

What can it treat?

Sub-acute and chronic painful soft tissue lesions of the musculoskeletal system such as trigger points in muscles, as well as painful shoulder, back, heel, knee or elbow areas. 

When will you see results?

Most patients will feel better right after their treatment including reduction in pain and increased mobility. This will generally last 5-8 days and the discomfort will slightly return before the time for the next treatment. Patients will slowly become free of discomfort. Then, over the next two to three weeks, the healing and remodeling process healing will take place. 

How long does the treatment last?

Generally, 1500-3000 impulses are administered per treatment area, which lasts approximately 5-10 minutes.

Does it work for every case?

Client feedback reports a success rate of above 75%. However, there is no treatment that is 100% successful in every case.

Who is the ideal patient?

This therapy is an affordable solution for many indications, especially for a chronic injury or condition that is slow to recover or hasn’t responded well to conventional treatments, such as tendon, ligament, bone and soft-tissue injuries. In many cases, acoustic wave therapy is an alternative to surgery.