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Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure for treating a number of painful musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions. ESWT uses shockwaves (an electromagnetic shockwave that is focused to a constant focal point as a pressure wave) directed by the electromagnetic force performing your examination to stimulate healing of the problematic tissue. ESWT offers advantages over traditional surgical methods as it is non-invasive with fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity. ESWT is a non-invasive therapy in which shock waves are delivered to injured tissue. The theory is that the shock waves create micro-trauma to the tissue thereby stimulating the heeling process.

What conditions can ESWT help?

• Plantar fasciitis – painful heel with or without a spur
  
• Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
  
• Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
  
• Patellar tendinosis
  
• Achilles tendinosis
  
• Non-united fractures
  
• Trochanteric bursitis
  
• Peyronie’s disease

What preparation is required?

There is no fasting or special preparation. It doesn’t require any anesthesia.

Some patients should not undergo ESWT. Contraindications are:

• Patients with bleeding disorders or patients on medications that prolong bleeding or interfere with clotting
• Patients with cardiac pacemakers
• Patients with local infections
• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients with malignancy

How is the treatment performed?

Three treatments are performed at weekly intervals. The treatments are simple with no injections. Your affected area is positioned against the head of the ESWT machine and a shockwave is delivered to the area. This is felt as a pulse. Treatment begins at the lowest intensity level. Some discomfort may be felt. After 30 seconds, your body becomes used to the sensations.
To date, there have been no serious harmful side effects reported.

After your ESWT treatment

You are free to leave immediately and should have little or no discomfort. You may experience slight worsening of pain for a short period of time in the days following your treatment. You may choose to take paracetamol for your pain management. On rare occasions following treatment patients may be aware of slight bruising.