The article describes the Radial Shockwave Therapy treatments (RSWT) with the use of Impactis M unit.
Shockwave therapy – treatments
Radial shockwave therapy treatments use diffused wave. This eliminates the need of an ultrasound examination, which would have to locate the exact cause of the pain, because we are sure that these tissues will be penetrated during treatment procedure.
It should be noted that before each application, carefully clean (degrease) the skin and put on the treatment area an ultrasound gel.
Shockwave therapy – treaments, division into stages
It is recommended to divide radial shockwave therapy treatments into two stages.
The first of these should be developed around the cause of pain, then usually static or semi-static method is used.
The second stage of the procedure should include an area where there are lesions arising from primary lesion, we are talking about the so-called reflex changes. It is recommended to use dynamic method while performing treatment. Eg. In the case of tennis elbow, the first stage of the procedure should include the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, and the second one, the wrist extensor muscles.
In the case of particularly sensitive patients it is allowed to change the order of the stages. This is caused by pain sensation while treatment. Shockwave therapy treatments applied to the bone area are much more intense than when applied to the muscles. By changing the order of stages, the patient is able to adapt and get used to the sensations. If this method does not bring sufficient effects, it is also possible to cool down the surface prior to the treatment procedure.
Shockwave therapy – treatments, number of shocks
Suggested average number of shocks during complete treatment procedure should be approx. 4,000. In the first stage, where the lesion covers usually small surface it is recommended to perform 2,000 shocks, and the remaining number of shocks should be applied in the second stage.
Shockwave therapy – treatments, pressure
To obtain stimulation effect it is recommended to use pressure from 2.5 to 3.5 bar. However, in the event of changes where calcification occur, apply 5 bar.
Radial shockwave therapy is performed in a series from 3 to 6 treatments, depending on the patient condition and disorder. The interval between treatments should be not less than 5 and not more than 10 days. The common practice are visits once a week.
