The tendencies of modern medicine are aimed at minimizing surgical interventions in the human body. For this purpose, minimally invasive and non-surgical technologies are constantly being developed and improved. One of such methods is shock wave therapy - indications and contraindications to the procedure were carefully studied about 30 years ago. Thorough ownership of this method of exposure and its continuous improvement ensures high efficiency of treatment of many diseases.
Description of the method of shock wave therapy
The treatment technology under consideration is based on the properties of low-frequency acoustic waves, also called infrasound. It is characterized by the following indicators:
- high energy amplitude (shock);
- short duration of the pulse;
- overcoming weak resistance.
Thus, sound waves propagate painlessly in soft tissues, exerting a shock effect only on dense structures - bones, joints, deposits of calcium salts and similar formations. This is achieved by an accurate selection of the frequency of acoustic vibrations that are not audible to the human ear.
In addition to the destruction of pathological seals, the procedure of shock wave therapy produces several more positive effects:
- increased lymph flow and circulation in the treated areas;
- decreased muscle hypertension;
- relief of pain syndrome and inflammatory processes;
- elimination of excess liquid and salt deposits;
- improvement of metabolism in soft tissues;
- stimulation of cell regeneration;
- restoration of normal metabolism in ligaments and tendons;
- resorption of intercellular septa and fibrotic foci;
- intensification of the production of collagen fibers;
- improvement of capillary blood supply and access to oxygen;
- increasing the permeability of cell membranes;
- restoration of mobility in the joints;
- renewal of the skin;
- destruction of dense fatty deposits, infiltration.
Direct treatment is quite simple - the specialist treats the affected areas with a contact gel and applies an applicator of a shock wave device that emits acoustic vibrations to them. Their frequency and strength are selected individually, according to the existing diseases, their severity and course. The duration of the procedure is about 15-25 minutes, and the course of treatment - 3-5 sessions with a break of 3-7 days.
Indications for the use of shock wave therapy
The diseases in which this effect is prescribed are very many, most of them are pathologies of the joints, inflammatory and degenerative lesions of the tendons and ligaments:
- plantar fasciitis (calcaneal spur);
- epicondylitis ;
- arthritis and arthrosis;
- synovitis;
- achillodynia;
- false joints;
- Tendonosis;
- ligamentoses;
- periarthropathy;
- coccidia;
- flat feet;
- valgus deformation of the foot ;
- muscular-tonic syndrome;
- the consequences of injuries and fractures, and others.
Also shock wave therapy is effective in diseases of the spine - hernia and protrusion of discs, osteochondrosis, curvature and spondyloarthrosis.
Often presented technology is used in the treatment of renal and cholelithiasis for lithotripsy of concrements, cellulitis, trophic ulcers and burns.
Who can not fight with shock wave therapy?
It is forbidden to apply the considered method in such cases:
- acute infections;
- bleeding disorders;
- fragility, fragility of blood vessels;
- diabetes;
- pregnancy;
- oncological tumors, exudative processes in the treatment zone;
- installed pacemaker;
- severe somatic and neurological pathologies;
- endoprosthesis in the area of impact;
- high blood pressure on the eve of the procedure;
- osteomyelitis.