The modern and effective at the root therapy of many tendon and muscle problems arrived and is here! End to Tendonitis.
It is the new weapon in the arsenal of weapons of contemporary physiotherapy, and its name is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or Radial Shock Wave Therapy.
Basically, it comes from the method of lithotripsy (breaking stones) with sound vibrations, which is used for the treatment of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis); the method was originally discovered and developed during the 80s. During the last 10 years, important changes were made and came to light the results of numerous researches regarding the use of this technology for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries such as tendonitis, the breaking of calcium salts in the tendons and muscles, the therapy of osteophytes, muscle injuries and especially sports injuries (bruising, pulling), the therapy of fractures, as well as the therapy of joints and rheumatic diseases.
The results were not only encouraging, but in the last 10 years, they also change the way of treating tendonitis (Tendinopathy) and many musculoskeletal problems.
The USA Federal Food and Drug Administration have approved the use of this shock waves method for the therapy of these problems, based on the fact that the advantages from the use of this method are comparatively superior to any other known therapy to date (drugs, local cortisone injections, operations etc).
Other advantages of this method include short and sparse visits, immediate results and immediate elimination of pain and stiffness and therefore quick return to work and to normal exercise pace.
The shock (sound) waves (they should not be confused with ultrasounds) are created with the use of pressed air - generated by a compressor - which passes to the end point of an applicator where shock waves are formed, and which subsequently pass from the attachment into the body in the form of minimal vibrations. These shock waves, which are created by the appropriate vibrations on the problem area, create pushing and pulling effects on the concentrated calcium salts (calcium producing tendonitis) which they break and dissolve and are then absorbed by the body. In addition, the shock waves cause the secretion of endorphins (opioids substances produced by our system for fighting pain and inflammation naturally). Also, the shock waves increase the blood flow in the affected area; this improves joint movement (arthritis, calcium salts, inflammation of tendons and muscles, cartilages etc). It has been proven that these special shock waves also stimulate osteoblasts, which in turn activate the healing of fractures and promote osteogenesis.
Usually, the therapy lasts from 5 to 15 minutes, does not need any prior, or after treatment preparation and there are no side effects. The therapy can be completed in 5 to 6 visits, depending on the seriousness and the duration of the problem.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal musculoskeletal lithotripsy therapy, can be used when:
- You have been diagnosed to have one of the diseases which have been proven that it can be treated successfully with shock waves.
- There are no other contraindications.
- All other conventional therapies have failed.
- An operation is not the only choice.
Shock wave therapy is especially effective for the treatment of the problems below:
- Shoulder: tendonitis of the shoulder muscles, calcium producing tendonitis, arthritic pains, arthritis, injuries of muscles and ligaments
- Elbow: epicondylitis, tendonitis, tennis and golf elbow
- Palm: tendonitis of index fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, injuries and stiffness of the fingers and wrist
- Hip: inflammation of the joint and tendonitis of the muscles around the joint
- Knee: tendonitis of patella, injuries of knee links, soft tissue knee injuries etc.
- Tibia: Anterior tibial stress syndrome (muscle, tibia)
- Back pains: cervical and lumbar syndromes of peritoneal muscular origin (myofascial syndromes), contraction of the muscles
- Bones: slow or poor healing of fractures
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Chronic disease of tendons, posttraumatic internal scar hardening, salt in the tendons and muscles, osteophytes close to the joints, adductor muscle syndrome, muscle bruising, sports injuries, muscle hardening etc.
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