Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in Singapore
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a physiotherapy treatment to help address acute or chronic pain and encourage the body’s healing process at the molecular level.
This non-invasive treatment produces an inflammatory response in the soft tissues area and increases metabolic activity around the site of pain which helps to accelerate the body’s healing process. Shockwaves are helpful in breaking down scar tissue and possibly calcification.’
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwaves are generated by a projectile that is fired at speed inside a hand-held applicator. When the applicator is placed on the surface of the skin with a coupling medium such as ultrasound gel, the impulses are delivered as a shockwave that penetrates the affected area as an aspherical “radial” wave.
Evaluating Shockwave Therapy As An Option
Your physiotherapist may suggest shockwave therapy to:
Alleviate lower back pain
For individuals experiencing lower back pain, a common ailment that can hinder daily function, shockwave therapy may be one of the treatment options considered. The process involves transmitting waves into the tissue of the lower back to aid in reducing discomfort.
Manage tendon issues
When it comes to tendon injuries, which can stem from a variety of activities or overuse, shockwave therapy might be employed. It might be utilised to support the treatment of chronic tendon-related problems, favourable to the body’s own healing processes.
Listed below is the conditions which can be treated with ESWT:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is characterised by sharp pain in the heel or the bottom of the foot, especially in the beginning of the first few steps after getting out of bed or prolonged sitting.Those suffering from this often stubborn and painful condition might find it an option to potentially help in curing plantar fasciitis.
Shoulder pain
For shoulder pain, which can arise from a variety of issues including rotator cuff injuries or frozen shoulder, shockwave therapy may complement shoulder physiotherapy to aid in symptom management. It is one of the methods that may be used to target the shoulder region.
Complements tennis elbow treatment
Tennis elbow, a common term for pain around the outside of the elbow, responds to a range of treatment options, with shockwave therapy being one of the most helpful modalities, As part of tennis elbow physiotherapy, ESWT may be directed at the elbow’s tendows, engaging the tissues in a way that could be conducive to managing the symptoms.
Myofascial pain
For myofascial pain syndrome, shockwave therapy might be employed, potentially offering a method to help relieve persistent muscle pain.
As with any medical treatment in Singapore, the suitability of ESWT depends on individual circumstances, including the nature and severity of the condition, and should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider.
What Common Conditions Are Suitable For ESWT Treatment?
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Plantar Fasciosis (strained arch)
- Heel Spurs
- Tennis Elbow
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Tendonitis
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Jumper’s Knee
- Trochanteric Tendonitis
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
The patient may experience some discomfort during the session depending on their existing pain tolerance levels and the condition of the area being treated. ESWT sessions are usually short in length and the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the session based on the patient’s comfort levels.
What Should I
Do If I Am in Pain After The Treatment?
The shockwaves will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural process of healing. For this reason, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications or applying ice packs. The pain should subside within 24 hours. Use Tylenol if necessary, provided you have no allergic reactions to this medication. You are still recommended to decrease strenuous activities for 48 hours following the therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy In Singapore
Who should avoid shockwave therapy?
Individuals who should avoid shockwave therapy generally include:
- Pregnant women: Pregnant women are typically advised not to undergo shockwave therapy.
- People with blood clotting disorders: Those with conditions that affect blood clotting, such as haemophilia, or those on anticoagulant therapy may be at an increased risk of bleeding.
- People with pacemakers or other implanted devices: The shockwaves could potentially interfere with the function of cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices.
- Patients with infections or open wounds: Shockwave therapy should not be applied over areas with active infections or open wounds.
It is important to discuss your medical history with the physiotherapy clinic to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.
How long does shockwave therapy results last?
The duration of ESWT can vary among individuals based on the condition being treated. Shockwave therapy may address the underlying cause of the pain within a few sessions. In cases involving chronic conditions, your physiotherapist in Singapore may advise ongoing or repeat sessions to manage the symptoms. This may involve a combination of treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and rehabilitative exercises.
How many times can you do shockwave therapy?
The number of ESWT sessions can differ based on the medical condition and the response to the treatment. Typically, a course of shockwave therapy might involve three to eight sessions, spaced out over several weeks. However, some conditions may require additional sessions to help address your pain. As such, it is essential to have ongoing discussions with your physiotherapist in Singapore to discuss what is appropriate for your condition.