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What is shock wave therapy in orthopedics?
Shock wave therapy is a gentle method for treating acute and chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system. Pressure waves are generated outside the body, which is why the method is also called extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
Shockwave treatment – ​​regeneration and pain reduction
In the treatment of orthopedic conditions, focused shock waves and radial pressure waves (often referred to as "radial shock waves") are commonly used to relieve pain and promote healing processes. Both technologies belong to extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), but differ in their mode of action and application. Here is a description of the two methods:
Shockwave treatment – ​​regeneration and pain reduction
In the treatment of orthopedic conditions, focused shock waves and radial pressure waves (often referred to as "radial shock waves") are commonly used to relieve pain and promote healing processes. Both technologies belong to extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), but differ in their mode of action and application. Here is a description of the two methods:
Focused shock wave therapy (fESWT)
  • Mechanismus und Energieform:
  • Focused shock waves are high-energy sound waves that are precisely focused on a point in the tissue.
  • The energy is precisely concentrated on deeper tissue layers, typically up to 12 cm below the skin.
  • Wirkungsweise:
    • Die Wellen erzeugen mechanischen Stress und Mikrotraumata im Zielgewebe, wodurch Heilungsprozesse stimuliert werden.
    • Fördert die Durchblutung, regt die Zellregeneration an und unterstützt die Bildung neuer Blutgefäße (Neovaskularisation).
  •  
  • Anwendungsbereiche:
    • Chronische Entzündungen wie Tendinopathien (z. B. Tennisellenbogen, Fersensporn).
    • Verkalkte Sehnen (z. B. Kalkschulter).
    • Pseudarthrosen (nicht heilende Knochenbrüche).
  •  
  1. Vorteile:
    • Präzise Steuerung der Eindringtiefe.
    • Wirksam bei tiefliegenden oder stark lokalisierten Beschwerden.
Radial Shock Wave (rESWT)
  1. Mechanismus und Energieform:
  2. Radial shock waves are mechanical pressure waves that act on the surface and spread their energy widely.
  3. They spread in a fan shape and reach shallower depths (up to about 3 cm below the skin).
  4.  
  1. Wirkungsweise:
    • Fördert die Durchblutung und den Stoffwechsel im oberflächlichen Gewebe.
    • Löst Muskelverspannungen und reduziert Schmerzsignale in den Nervenbahnen.
  1. Anwendungsbereiche:
    • Muskel- und Bindegewebserkrankungen (z. B. myofasziale Triggerpunkte, Verspannungen).
    • Oberflächliche Sehnenentzündungen (z. B. Achillessehnenreizungen).
    • Allgemeine Schmerztherapie bei Überlastungssyndromen.
  1. Vorteile:
    • Weniger invasiv und oft schmerzärmer.
    • Ideal für großflächige oder oberflächliche Beschwerden.
  1. Comparison: Focused and Radial Shock Waves
  1. Conclusion:
    The choice between focused and radial shock waves depends on the type, depth and location of the orthopedic disease. Focused shock waves are more effective for deep-seated and precise complaints, while radial pressure waves are preferred for large-area or superficial problems
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