Procedure | Non-Surgical
Shockwave Therapy
A non-invasive low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment (LI-ESWT). The energy promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons, and other soft tissues. Shockwave therapy can also help to flush away unwanted fat deposits, reduce cellulite and circumference around thighs, legs, hips, and arms. When applied to the face, can increase collagen and elastin production resulting in a firmer and smoother complexion.
It can also eliminate uneven surfaces, scars, and stretch marks. Shockwave therapy can also use to compliment other aesthetic treatments for optimal results.
Shockwave therapy is administered with a wand-like device placed near different areas. A healthcare provider moves the device along parts of your body for about 15 minutes while it emits gentle pulses. No anesthesia is needed. The pulses trigger improved blood flow and tissue remodeling.
The application is simple and easy. Typically:
- The area to be treated is located using palpation in order to deliver the therapy precisely.
- A sufficient amount of gel is applied to the area located. The gel ensures the acoustic waves are smoothly transferred.
- The Shockwave applicator is slightly pushed against the area to be treated and the start button is pressed.
Expect some feeling of discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain the patient is already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatment isn’t long and the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the session, it won’t hurt much.
After the treatment, you may experience some soreness and tenderness at the treatment site. Some swelling may occur but should resolve quite soon. Normal activities can resume.
Most indications require 3–5 treatments which are done 3–10 days apart, depending on the patient’s tolerance and their tissue response.
If you have an injury, it is recommended that patients refrain from physical activity, especially one that would involve the treated region, for about 48 hours following each treatment session.
Research has shown that the effects of shockwave therapy can last up to about a year.
The most common treatment plan was twice weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks without treatments, and another 3-weeks of twice-weekly treatments.
