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What is Shockwave Therapy?

A shockwave is a type of wave that moves through a medium—such as air, water, or solid materials—at a speed faster than the speed of sound in that medium. It occurs when an object or event generates a sudden and intense release of energy, creating a disturbance that propagates outward in a highly compressed and fast-moving wave.

Electrohydrolic (Softwave) Technology: THE TECH WE USE!

Cynosure Softwave uses true electrohydraulic shockwaves, which are generated through a high-energy electrical discharge in water. This process creates a plasma bubble that implodes and explodes, forming a shockwave. The unique pattern of these shockwaves, characterized by a high positive pressure spike and rapid rise time, differentiates them from other forms.

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Characteristics of true Shockwaves:

  • Supersonic Speed: Shockwaves travel faster than sound in the medium.

  • Sudden Pressure Change: A sharp, rapid increase in pressure occurs as the shockwave passes through.

  • High Energy: Shockwaves carry a large amount of energy and can cause physical damage to structures, organisms, or materials they encounter.

  • Discontinuity: Unlike normal waves, shockwaves create a sharp change in properties like pressure, temperature, and density.

In a more visual or everyday sense, a shockwave is what you might feel or hear when a bomb goes off, or when a plane breaks the sound barrier and you hear the sonic boom. The shockwave from such events can be powerful enough to shatter glass or cause structural damage.

Mechanotransduction in SoftWave ESWT

Mechanotransduction is the process by which mechanical stimuli are converted into biochemical signals. SoftWave ESWT uses mechanotransduction to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. The mechanical input from the shock wave is registered by tissues, triggering various biochemical changes such as:

  1. Neovascularization: Shockwave therapy is believed to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in the affected area. This helps to improve blood circulation, enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and promote tissue regeneration and healing.

  2. Pain reduction: Shockwaves can interfere with pain signals by overstimulating sensory nerve fibers, which may lead to a temporary reduction in pain sensation. Additionally, they may trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body.

Cellular response: Shockwaves can induce microtrauma at the cellular level, causing the release of certain biochemical substances that initiate an inflammatory response. This response can promote the healing process by attracting specialized cells to the area, such as stem cells and immune cells, which aid in tissue repair.

SOME OTHER "SHOCKWAVE" THERAPIES TO BE AWARE OF:

Other therapies that may be called "Shockwave Therapy"  but are not as EFFECTIVE include radial pressure waves and piezoelectric/electromagnetic shockwaves, sometimes used by physiotherapists. 

Radial Pressure Waves

Radial pressure waves are characterized by a low steeping effect and slow rise time. They primarily dissipate energy at the skin surface, making them less effective for deeper tissue conditions. Radial waves are not true shockwaves and lack the precise, high-energy impact of electrohydraulic shockwaves.

Piezoelectric and Electromagnetic Shockwaves

These forms generate waves through the accumulation of acoustic waves at a distance from their source. They do not produce the singular high-pressure spike and rapid drop-off of true shockwaves. While they have merit in certain applications, their overall efficacy and depth of penetration are generally lower compared to Softwave  ESWT.

To learn more about this difference here is a short YouTube Video Below!

What are the Medical Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

Accelerated Healing

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Shockwave stimulates the body's natural regenerative processes, which can lead to the growth of new tissue and faster healing of injuries. This can be especially beneficial for those who have chronic injuries or conditions that have been slow to heal.

Improved Range of Motion 

Shockwave therapy can help to increase flexibility and mobility by promoting tissue growth and reducing inflammation. This can be especially helpful for those who have limited range of motion due to injury or aging.

  • Decreases muscle tension & inhibits spasms by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

  • Dissolves calcified fibroblasts, which often cause issues like "Frozen Shoulder".

  • Increases collagen production


  • Accelerates the removal of nociceptive (bad) metabolites, and increases oxygenation

  • Enhances dispersion of substance P (a pain mediator and growth factor). The reduction of its concentration reduces pain in the affected area and decreases risk of development of edema.

 

Treatments are provided after a thorough assessment by one of our exceptionally trained Registered Nurses who work with your Primary Care Provider to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Pain Reduction 

By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Shockwave can help to reduce pain and discomfort. This can be especially helpful for those dealing with chronic pain or injuries that are causing ongoing discomfort.

Non-Invasive

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning there are no incisions, needles, or anesthesia required. This makes it a safer and less invasive option than some other treatment methods.

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