Shockwaves are audible acoustic waves with high energy peaks. Shockwave therapy is used very successfully as pain therapy. This method is not only anti-inflammatory but can also dissolve calcium deposits in joints and tendons.
How does shockwave therapy work?
The shockwaves stimulate the tissues being treated. This triggers the release of anti-inflammatory neurotransmitters, that deactivate chronic, inflammatory changes and thus bring about long-term pain relief.
When is shockwave therapy used?
- For calcific tendinitis of the shoulder – from inflammation caused by calcification of the shoulder
- For tennis elbow – irritation or inflammation of the ends of the tendons in the elbow region
- For heel spurs – usually chronic inflammation of the heel bone
- For patellar tendonitis – painful inflammation at the lower end of the knee cap
- For achillodynia – inflammatory change of the Achilles tendon
- For other diseases of the tendon insertions