Radial pulse wave therapy (RPW), also known as shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to help heal soft tissue and bone injuries:
How it works
A handheld device sends pressure waves through the skin to the injured area, which stimulates blood circulation and cell growth. The waves create tiny bubbles that penetrate the tissue, stimulating the repair process.
Benefits
RPW can help reduce muscle pain and aches, and promote healing without surgery or medication. It’s commonly used to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and epicondylitis.
Side effects
Patients may experience some discomfort during treatment, but you should not be in pain. It’s normal for irritation and swelling to occur in the affected area 2-4 hours after treatment.
History
Shockwave therapy was first used in the 1980s to treat kidney stones. In recent decades, it’s become increasingly used to treat musculoskeletal disorders.
Skilled in the anatomy of joints, tendons, and ligaments, a physical therapist utilizes an RPW (Radial Pressure Wave) device during treatment. The device is applied directly to the skin, delivering radial pressure waves into the injured tissues. This stimulates increased blood flow and the release of growth hormones, promoting new tissue formation.
RPW therapy is commonly employed to address tendinopathy and stubborn ligament injuries. In cases of degenerative tendinopathies where calcium deposits accumulate in the tendon, focused shock waves can help break down these deposits, aiding recovery.