Radial shockwave therapy
Radial shockwave therapy (rOCD), also known as SHOCKWAVE, is a modality used in physiotherapy, orthopedics, and sports medicine for the treatment of several musculoskeletal conditions.
This is a mechanical therapy. The device generates acoustic waves by repeatedly impacting tissues, which then propagate through the skin’s surface.
These generated waves can penetrate up to 3-4 cm into the tissue and serve to accelerate the healing and regeneration process of damaged tissues by stimulating metabolism and improving blood circulation.
It is good to know that radial shock wave therapy devices work either with an electromagnetic generator or with a generator with compression. The BTL shockwave therapy device used at Physio + Hamel works with a compression generator, giving it a marked advantage in several aspects compared to OCD devices using an electromagnetic generator.
Indeed, one of the advantages of the TOC device used at Physio + Hamel is that it allows for a greater penetration depth of the shockwave during its application, thereby enabling a deeper reach into the targeted tissue.
Radial shockwave therapy is commonly used for the treatment of the following injuries:
- Capsulitis on the shoulder and the “frozen shoulder”
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis and Lenoir’s spur
- Lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow”
- Scar tissue
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
- Bursitis
- Trigger points (“muscle knots”)
- Stress fractures
- Chronic neck and back pain
Advantages of radial shockwave therapy:
- Effectiveness between 75% and 90% for multiple conditions
- Non-invasive method, no anesthesia required
- No risk of infection
- Does not create a scar
- No rest period is required
- Faster healing
What to expect during radial shockwave treatment:
Usually, three treatments are needed for treatment. For optimal healing, we generally recommend 3 to 6 shockwave sessions, spaced 5 to 10 days between each session. Studies have shown a success rate of 70 to 85% in cases that have persisted for a long time and it takes about 3 to 4 months to know the maximum effect of the treatment.