ESWT
Extracorporeal shock wave
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Delivering high-energy shock waves to damaged tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints)
a non-invasive treatment that relieves the root cause of pain
Shockwave Therapy's Core Principles and Features
Reference: J Korean Orthop Assoc 2024; 59: 235-246_Current Concepts in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Types of Shock Waves
Radial (Divergent) vs Focused (Concentrated)
Category
Radial type (Radial)
Focused type (Focused)
Transmits impact by striking the pellet with compressed air.
Focus supersonic sound waves to a single point with electrical/magnetic energy
Depth Reached
Stimulation intensity
Soft and broad
Deep, intense stimulation
Treatment effect
Indications and Procedure Site
Myofascial pain, muscle tension, trigger points, improved blood circulation, etc.
Perceived feeling
A tapping, spreading feeling
A tingling, focused feeling
According to the stage of tissue damage
Shock Wave Therapy Golden Time
When tissue is damaged, our body, in order to recover itself,
goes through staged phases called the acute, subacute, and chronic stages.
During this process, blood flow and metabolic activity increase, and cellular activity and growth factor secretion, etc.
The body's natural healing response appears.
Why Shockwave Therapy Is Used Starting in Stage 2 of the Subacute Phase
Because shockwave therapy works by applying subtle mechanical stimulation to tissue to induce micro-damage,
it is not recommended during the acute phase, when heat, swelling, and pain are severe, because shockwave therapy may worsen pain and inflammation.
When shockwave therapy is used from the subacute phase, which is stage 2, to the chronic phase, which is stage 3,
the speed of tissue regeneration and inflammation healing is accelerated.
Shock Wave Therapy's
Golden Time
Stage 1, acute phase (0–3 days)
Stage 2: Subacute phase (3 to 14 days)
Stage 3 chronic phase (2 to 6 weeks)
Restoring the strength and elasticity of new tissue
Treatment Cycle Guide
Starts from the subacute phase after injury
(after the acute phase(inflammatory phase))
Treatment recommended once a week, for a total of 5 or
10 sessions
Reduced recurrence rate with repeated maintenance treatment over a certain period
A method performed alternately
with manual therapy
Recommended candidates for treatment
Those with chronic shoulder, neck, back, elbow, knee pain, etc.
and difficulty with daily life
People who want fundamental physical recovery without surgery
For those who want to speed up tissue recovery during rehabilitation therapy
■ Information on physical reactions that may occur after treatment
Although it varies from person to person, you may feel more stiffness than usual or flu-like body aches for 1–2 days after treatment. However, if the muscle pain continues even after some time, please call our clinic and come in for a visit.
Shock Wave Therapy FAQ
Before the procedure,
we share your concerns and worries.
Is there any pain after the procedure?
Depending on the level of pain in the treatment area, you may feel some mild discomfort during treatment. However, the treatment time is not long, so most patients, including older adults, can undergo the procedure with little discomfort. In addition, if you experience any discomfort during the procedure, the treatment intensity can be adjusted in real time.
Are there any symptoms that appear after the treatment is over?
Most patients experience a reduction or disappearance of pain after treatment. However, some may feel throbbing at the treatment area and muscle soreness for about 2 to 4 hours after the procedure, but these symptoms are temporary and will naturally ease over time.
Are there any precautions after treatment?
For 48 hours after treatment, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity and, in particular, refrain from overusing the treated area.
Shockwave Therapy Precautions
Do not perform if there is a malignant tumor in the area being treated with shockwave therapy.
Shock wave therapy is not performed if there is a fetus in the treatment area.
This procedure is not performed if there is a pacemaker or defibrillator in the shockwave treatment area.
Caution is needed if you have a serious blood clotting disorder.
Treatment must be carried out only under the diagnosis and prescription of medical professionals who are familiar with the principles and indications.
After the procedure, you may experience temporary pain or bruising, but in most cases it goes away within 1 to 2 days.
It is a normal reaction that can occur during the healing process when an inflamed or damaged area is irritated,
and it often subsides when you take the prescribed medication or apply a cold compress to the treatment area.