What is Shockwave Therapy?
A brief overview and explanation
Shockwave therapy is a modern and non-invasive treatment method that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat various body tissues. This therapy has proven effective in treating various medical and physiotherapeutic conditions, especially chronic pain and inflammation.
The principle of shockwave therapy is that short and intense acoustic impulses are directed to the target area using a device. These impulses create microscopic traumas in the tissues, which stimulate the body's natural healing process. As a result, blood circulation increases, anti-inflammatory responses are activated, and tissue regeneration accelerates.
Therapy is known for its ability to relieve pain and improve mobility without surgical intervention or medication. This makes shockwave therapy an attractive choice for people seeking effective and safe treatment methods for various health problems.
Shockwave therapy is widely used to treat the following conditions:
• Chronic tendinitis, such as tennis and golfer's elbow
• Plantar fasciitis or heel pain
• Shoulder pain, including calcific tendinitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Muscle pain and myofascial trigger points
The procedure is quick and convenient, usually one session lasts about 15-20 minutes. Patients often feel improvement after the first session, although several treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.

How does shockwave therapy work?
1. Generation and direction of sound waves: The shockwave therapy device generates high-frequency acoustic waves that are precisely directed to the treated area. These short but intense shockwave impulses penetrate deep into the tissues, causing microscopic mechanical stresses.
2. Creation of microscopic traumas: Shockwave impulses create microscopic damage in the tissues. Although this may sound daunting, it is actually very beneficial, as these small traumas stimulate the body's natural healing process. The body responds to these microscopic damages by increasing blood circulation and metabolism in the damaged area.
3. Acceleration of the healing process: Increased blood flow and metabolism bring more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area, which are necessary for tissue recovery. They also help remove inflammatory and damaged cells, which speeds up the healing process.
4. Anti-inflammatory effect: Shockwave therapy also stimulates anti-inflammatory responses. This helps reduce swelling and pain, which are often associated with chronic conditions such as tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
5. Stimulation of collagen production: Shockwave impulses promote the production of new collagen, which is an important component of healthy and strong tissues. This helps strengthen and repair damaged areas, reducing the risk of further injuries.
6. Pain relief: One of the main benefits of shockwave therapy is pain relief. Impulses disrupt the transmission of pain signals along nerve fibers and reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors. The result is immediate pain reduction and improved mobility.

For whom is shockwave therapy effective?
The effectiveness of shockwave therapy for various problems is due to its multifaceted effect on the body. Specifically, here is how shockwave therapy helps:
1. Tendon and ligament diseases: stimulates angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), accelerates fibroblast activity, reduces inflammatory processes and swelling.
2. Muscle pain and muscle tension: relaxes muscle spasms, improves blood supply to muscle tissue, stimulates regeneration of muscles and connective tissues.
3. Nerve pain and neuralgia: reduces nerve inflammation, improves blood supply to nerves, promotes the release of endorphins.
4. Bone problems and joint diseases: stimulates osteogenesis, improves blood supply to bone tissue, reduces joint inflammation and swelling.
5. Bursitis and other soft tissue diseases: reduces inflammation and swelling in the bursa area, improves blood circulation and lymph flow, stimulates collagen production.
6. Sports injuries: accelerates tissue healing, reduces inflammation and swelling, improves elasticity of muscles and tendons.
7. Rheumatic diseases: reduces inflammation and swelling, improves blood circulation, stimulates collagen production.
8. Post-traumatic conditions: accelerates tissue healing, reduces inflammation and swelling, promotes softening of scar tissue.
9. Circulation problems and tissue recovery: improves blood circulation and lymph flow, stimulates angiogenesis, promotes tissue regeneration.
10. Other: helps with various other conditions by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue recovery.
The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is due to its ability to stimulate the body's natural healing processes by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting cell renewal in damaged areas.

What to expect from a shockwave therapy session?
1. Pre-treatment and assessment: the therapist assesses your condition and creates a treatment plan.
2. Preparation for the session: comfortable position, gel or moist cloth on the skin if necessary.
3. Application of shockwaves: the device is directed to the problem area, the session may include various application methods.
4. Description of sensations: feedback may be requested during treatment.
5. Session duration: usually 15–30 minutes.
6. Frequency and duration of treatment: several sessions per week, depending on the condition.
7. Aftercare and recommendations: after the session, recommendations for stretching, activity, and pain relief.
8. Potential side effects: mild pain or redness, which quickly subsides.
9. Planning further treatment: if necessary, subsequent sessions and discussion of further treatment.
Shockwave therapy sessions offer an individual and targeted approach to solving your specific health problems and can support your recovery and recuperation from various conditions.

Safety and side effects
Shockwave therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. Possible side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as mild pain, redness, or swelling in the treatment area.
Who is not suitable for shockwave therapy?
Not recommended for pregnant women, people with blood clotting disorders, patients with pacemakers, in cases of acute infections or skin damage in the treatment areas, for cancer in the treatment area, for growing children in the areas of bone growth plates, in case of recent corticosteroid injection, and other restrictions.

Conclusion:
Shockwave therapy is an effective, safe, and non-invasive treatment method that can help with many chronic and acute conditions, supporting the body's natural healing processes and improving quality of life.