Showing posts with label extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Show all posts

Wednesday 17 May 2023

Relieving Spasticity By Shockwave Therapy | Exploring Its Advancements And Benefits


Relieving Spasticity By Shockwave Therapy | Exploring Its Advancements And Benefits


Spasticity is a common condition that affects many neurological patients. It is characterized by tightness or stiffness in the muscles, which can cause pain and limit mobility. While many treatment options are available, including medications, surgical interventions, exercise therapy, etc, shockwave therapy is emerging as an innovative non-invasive option for many patients, which has been gaining popularity in the field of physiotherapy in recent years. In this blog, we will discuss how shockwave therapy can be beneficial for patients suffering from spasticity.
Spasticity is a common symptom of neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. It is characterized by muscle stiffness, involuntary muscle contractions, and exaggerated reflexes. Spasticity can be painful and can interfere with daily activities such as walking, dressing, and eating. Current treatment options for spasticity include medications and surgical interventions. However, these treatments are not always effective and can have side effects.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuro Engineering and Rehabilitation evaluated the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in reducing spasticity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study included 20 participants who received shockwave therapy to the calf muscles twice a week for six weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in muscle stiffness and an improvement in gait speed and balance.
Another study published in the European Journal of Neurology evaluated the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in reducing spasticity in individuals with cerebral palsy. The study included 24 participants who received shockwave therapy to the calf muscles twice a week for four weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in muscle stiffness and an improvement in range of motion.

What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity sound waves to promote the healing and repair of tissues. The therapy has been used for decades to treat a variety of musculoskeletal injuries including plantar fasciitistendinitis, and chronic pain. However, recent research has also shown that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for spasticity in neurological conditions. More recently, it has been found to be effective in treating spasticity in neurological patients. In the case of spasticity, shockwave therapy can help to reduce muscle stiffness and improve the range of motion.

How Does Shockwave Therapy for Spasticity Work?
Shockwave therapy for spasticity works by targeting the affected muscles with low-intensity sound waves. The sound waves stimulate new blood vessels growth and improve existing ones' function. This increases blood flow to the affected muscles, which helps to reduce the tightness and stiffness associated with spasticity.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy for Spasticity?
A thorough evaluation is done by your physiotherapist to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific condition. Following the evaluation, a comprehensive treatment plan that includes shockwave therapy can be developed by your physiotherapist to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Shockwave therapy for spasticity is a simple and painless procedure. During the procedure, a device is used to deliver low-intensity sound waves to the affected muscles. The treatment usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, and there is no downtime or recovery period.
Most patients will require multiple treatments, typically spaced one to two weeks apart. The number of treatments needed will depend on the severity of the spasticity and how well the patient responds to the therapy.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Spasticity
Shockwave therapy for spasticity has several benefits over other treatment options.
First, it is non-invasive, meaning there are no needles, incisions, or anesthesia required. This reduces the risk of complications and eliminates the need for a recovery period.
Second, shockwave therapy for spasticity is a long-lasting solution. Unlike medications, which only work for a short period of time and must be taken regularly, shockwave therapy provides a long-term improvement in muscle function.
Finally, shockwave therapy for spasticity is effective for many neurological patients. Studies have shown that up to 80% of patients who undergo shockwave therapy experience an improvement in muscle function and a reduction in spasticity.

If you are a neurological patient struggling with spasticity, shockwave therapy may be an innovative treatment option for you. The therapy is safe and uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue healing and reduce pain, providing a long-lasting improvement in muscle function. 

Monday 25 October 2021

 

                                                               Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy | Its Importance in Modern day Physiotherapy Treatment

Are you suffering from joint pain or muscular pain, and you have taken many treatments which have not worked?  Then try Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical non-invasive treatment procedure used all over the world for treating a wide variety of painful conditions in your body. The treatment is imparted by well-trained physiotherapists for pain relief, mobility, and speed up the recovery. Shock wave focuses on bones and other tissues of the musculoskeletal system and has a positive effect on a wide variety of tissues. In this blog, we will discuss the latest updated conditions which can be treated by this therapy and some queries which a patient can have in his mind before opting for Shockwave therapy.

 

Latest updated conditions treated by Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is not used as a short-term treatment but relieves pain and improves functionality in the long term. The conditions which can be treated by this therapy are:



  • Tennis Elbow
  • Golfer’s Elbow
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Rotator Cuff Strain
  • Patella Tendinitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Jumper’s Knee
  • Painful joints
  • Heel Spur
  • Insertional pain
  • Hip and back pain
  • Patellofemoral Tendinopathy
  • Gluteal Tendinopathy
  • Trigger points
  • Non-union fractures
  • Delayed healing
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Bone marrow edema
  •  Achilles Tendinopathy.

 

How does it work?

Shockwave therapy is a high-energy acoustic wave applied to the chronic painful part of the injured soft tissue.  Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to focus on painful areas. These waves are absorbed into the body’s tissue and cells, stimulating regeneration and healthy growth of the bones, muscles, and tendons. Its re-starts the healing process:



  • It desensitizes the nerve endings and immediately eases the pain.
  • Boosts metabolism and blood circulation.
  • Forms new blood vessels causing repair of damaged tissue.
  • Reduces spasms and inflammation which in turn decreases pain and boosts mobility.
  • Shockwave therapy promotes subchondral bone formation.
  • It reduces micro-tears and other traumas.

 

How is the treatment given?

The treatment starts with a detailed assessment of the affected area. The physiotherapist designs a personalized treatment plan that suits the patient’s lifestyle. For the application, the gel is applied to the treatment area and the treatment time starts.

 

How long does the treatment last? 

The actual delivery of 2000-3000 shocks will take 10 minutes.  The patient might require 3-4 sessions a week before he/she feels pain relief.  Patients with more chronic conditions may need 5 sessions.  The effects of Shockwave Therapy continue to improve soft tissue changes weeks after the treatment.

 

How many Treatment sessions are required?

The treatment sessions depend upon the area to be treated, the phase of pain, and the response of the body towards the treatment varies from patient to patient. Most people need around 3 sessions, others might need 5 sessions.

 

Does the therapy hurt during and after the treatment session?

The tolerance for pain is different for different patients but most patients describe it as uncomfortable, though most of the patients easily cope with the treatment for a few minutes.  The therapist can tune the machine so that the patient can get used to it. Slight discomfort is usually experienced depending on the pain in the area and usually, the treatment time is 5 minutes. Immediately after the treatment, the patient experiences pain relief. Approximately after 2-4 hours, the patient may feel some tenderness in the treatment area which is tolerable.

 

What precautions should the patient take after the session?

The patients should refrain from carrying out any strenuous physical activity until 48 hours.

 

ESWT is a possible option in conservative therapy for the indications mentioned in this review. However, this option should be reserved for orthopedics specialists familiar with this therapy and these indications.