SWSNA

Shockwaves are acoustic pressure pulses which carry high energy to target areas of the body. The energy promotes regeneration and reparative processes. Shockwaves are characterized by positive and inverse change in pressure at specific intervals to produce cavitation. The devices translate kinetic energy within an applicator, created by electromagnetic forces or bursts of compressed air.

Shockwave therapy is an advanced regenerative and rehabilitation method used by skilled practitioners for indications such as shoulder injuries, chronic Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, elbow tendinopathies and myofascial syndrome. With over 50 internationally recognized applications, shockwave therapy may be found in such specialties as Urology, orthopedic, sports medicine, and pain management. Emerging research has demonstrated some value in the cardiovascular and neurology fields.

Radial & Focused shockwave should not be administered to patients with Malignant tumor in the treatment area or when a fetus is in the treatment area. Additionally, Focused shockwave shouldn’t be administered over the lungs, local to an Epiphyseal plate, directly to Brain or vertebra or in cases of known or suspected severe coagulopathy.

For your safety and as a standard of care, ESWT should only be provided following clinical examination of the pathophysiology, radiographic imaging and some additional diagnostic testing may be necessary to corroborate the patient’s care plan. Only qualified providers (certified by National or International Societies) may use focused shockwave therapy to treat pathologies, which have been determined by diagnostic testing. For the treatment on bones, a high-energy, focused shockwave with positioning technology has to be used. Close attention must be paid to the depth of penetration of the shockwave source when treating deep tissue structures.

“Side effects from ESWT are limited to mild bruising, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling in the treated area, and the recovery is minimal compared with that of surgical intervention.” Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/news/sports-medicine-practitioners-embrace-benefits-of-extracorporeal-shock-wave-therapy/mac-20454275

Yes, with specific criteria met for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis Elbow and Diabetic Wounds. Although Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (Li-ESWT) is used commonly in other countries as a viable option, it is not yet FDA approved for most purposes in the United States of America. Given the plethora of notable scientific studies demonstrating improvement in soft tissue elasticity and neovascularization, there is mounting hope that more inclusivity may come soon: ESWT is currently considered off-label.

Most shockwave therapy treatment sessions require less than 30 minutes. While results vary, it is not uncommon to show improvements after the very first treatment.

After signing up for a SWSNA course, you can expect a shockwave provider to reach out to you by email and/or text message to see if you may need any additional help.

If you have already completed a shockwave eLearning course but did not receive a course completion certificate, please contact us.